(Just in case the FF notifications are broken AGAIN, note here to confirm this chapter went up as scheduled on 16th June 2024)
Edster: This chapter is a doozy and long enough as it is so I'm not going to say much here, except for my usual wishes that you are all well and enjoying this season of anime as it starts to wind down
daniel: This chapter was SO fun to do! Hope you all have as much of an amazing time reading it as we did writing it! You guys are the best!
Edster: With all that said, here's chapter 31! As always, the usual disclaimer that neither I nor daniel own Overlord or any of its characters, locations, events or anything else related to the anime, manga or Light Novels. The only things we own are our OCs, Henry and Fengxian. ENJOY!
Chapter 31 – Foresight's Choice
"Good luck, humans! You're going to need it!" With those words she tossed the microphone in the air, gave a deep bow, caught it again as it fell and then leapt back into the stands next to Shalltear, leaving the four humans alone against the three most powerful beings to have ever existed in this world.
~TNT~
Even though the numbers would make one think that Foresight had the advantage, their quick summarization of the situation had them feeling the complete opposite. Not only were they far from home in unfamiliar territory, but they also had the misfortune of being at the heart of the enemy base. And though any of them, not even Arche with her talent, couldn't sense the magic power coming from any of the three, there was enough in just their first impression alone as well as the small elf's introduction to make them think that they were severely outclassed.
Just from the look of the one in the centre, the one that had been introduced as Ainz…even despite being unable to sense his magical power, they could tell that he must be a sorcerer of some skill and renown judging by the ornateness of his robe and staff. And not only did the armoured warrior, the one called Fengxian, tower over them, but he was clad from head to toe in full armour that he looked to have no issue moving around in. As for the other one, the one called the Crown Prince…he too gave off an aura that spoke of hidden power lurking beneath the calm and handsome visage, and they had little reason to doubt that the women who'd been introduced as his harem could pose just as much of a threat.
"This is all my fault…" Arche whispered brokenly, clutching her staff to her chest. "I'm the one who was here for the money and got the rest of you involved, and now we might all suffer for it…"
Hekkeran shook his head. "Don't say that, this was a team decision," he said with a sincerity that Henry couldn't help but notice and appreciate, even as the three listened on silently. "If we hadn't reached a unanimous verdict, none of us would be here. So don't blame yourself okay?" Imina nodded in agreement with her partner's words.
"We all decided to come on this job together because we've always had each other's backs, from our very first job together all the way up till now" Roberdyck added with quiet determination. Ainz couldn't help but be impressed and a little touched at the show of comradery, a reminder of how things used to be back in Ainz Ooal Gown at the height of its power and how it was now between himself, Ise and Ki.
"And once in a while, things go south…comes with the territory," Imina said with a shrug. "But what's important now is we a figure out a way out of this."
"I hate to say it but I'm not hopeful that we'll be getting out of here without a fight," Hekkeran grimaced, turning his gaze to their three opponents who continued to watch them with unsettling silence. "But they haven't attacked us right off the bat, which is a start. We'll give talking it out a go, but if not…we might need to be prepared for the fight of our lives." The other three nodded in solidarity as Hekkeran turned and gave a genuine bow of contrition, a gesture which was copied by the rest of Foresight, towards Ainz who'd raised a hand indicating they could address him and the others. "Our most sincere apologies Master Ainz Ooal…ermmm…"
"Ainz Ooal Gown," the skeletal being corrected.
"Right of course…Master Ainz Ooal Gown, and to you as well Crown Prince…Henry, was it?" The golden-haired humanoid nodded, making sure to maintain an aloof expression as he did. "And you as well, Grand Marshal…Fen…Feng…"
"Fengxian," was all the armoured behemoth said.
"Yes…Grand Marshal Fengxian. Myself and the rest of my party offer our sincerest apologies for any offence or displeasure that our intrusion has caused. If you might find it within yourselves to show us mercy this one time, we would gladly pay any price, whether it's gold or anything else you might want from us…"
As the blonde continued to ramble, Ainz shared a private communication with his adopted son. (You're the best of us at reading faces…think he's being sincere?)
(I do) was Henry's immediate reply. (Whatever their reasons for being here, I get the feeling if they'd known they were at a home that belonged to someone else and thus had no right to take anything away from it, they wouldn't have come)
(I see. I trust you on this, but I'm still going to test them anyway) "Enough…you all have nothing that we want, and we are rapidly losing patience with your pointless platitudes," Ainz interrupted Hekkeran sternly. "You knew what you were doing the moment you signed up for this 'job' of yours, and invaded my home...nay, our home, to satisfy your petty greed. That makes you nothing more than lowdown thieves, and not worthy of our time…"
"Please, just hear us out then!" Hekkeran interrupted desperately. "Look, you're right…we did come here for gold, but not for the selfish reasons you believe of us!" Henry couldn't help but let out a small shadow of a smile as both his and Suzi's initial intuition regarding the four was proven right. "All we want to do is…"
"Enough." Fengxian's stern interruption was enough to silence the blonde-haired man once more. "Even if we were to accept your excuses, it doesn't change the fact that you barged into somewhere you weren't invited, in a place where we punish unwarranted trespass severely…"
"What if we had permission to be here?" All three of the Supreme Beings were surprised at this unexpected question, even though they instantly recognised the young man was bluffing in a desperate attempt to save the lives of himself and his friends. Admirable, but futile, and everyone both in and around the arena knew it.
(We know it's impossible, but let's humour him shall we?) Henry informed the others privately at the same time as speaking aloud. "And just who was it that could have given you permission to enter our home other than ourselves?" The Crown Prince asked in a stern tone.
"I promise you it did…please believe us!" "Shit shit shit…I think they can tell I'm lying, but if I keep at it…maybe they'll let something slip?"
"You're stalling…buying time for reinforcements or to figure out how to escape…" Ainz growled. While he was happy to go along with what Henry had suggested, it still galled him that these four thought they stood a chance of fooling either one of them. "But fine…just in case what you say may be of interest to us, we'll hear your story." His eyes flashed menacingly. "Go on then…who was it?"
"I-it could only be one person…you must know of them, surely?" Hekkeran sweated. "Or…much less a person, but a giant monster if you saw them up close. I only spoke to him for a moment so he didn't give me his name, but if you met him, you'd know how much of an impression he could make…"
"A giant, eh? Are you sure it wasn't Lord Fengxian here?" Henry asked, pointing at the giant black-armoured behemoth. "Perhaps you could help us by describing us to him…what did he look like? What sort of armour was he wearing?"
This caught Hekkeran off guard, but he quickly recomposed himself as an obvious answer came to him. "No, not like Grand Marshal Fengxian here. Instead of black as midnight, his skin was all shiny. And his armour…" Hekkeran fumbled again as he quickly realised his original armour of silver was too ordinary. Any knight could be caught wearing silver which meant his bullshitting would be easily figured out, and he had to make this make-believe giant as unbelievable as possible to match what was in front of him. "Red…a dark red shade of armour." This last remark caught all three Supreme Beings off guard as Hekkeran's description easily fitted one of their dearly missed comrades.
(A giant with red armour and shiny skin…that's just like Warrior Takemikazuchi!) Henry blasted between the three of them, hoping against hope that it wasn't just the three of them in the New World. (Could it be…is this guy really lying, or is Warrior really here as well?!)
(We'd have heard a lot more about him if it was Warrior…that sort of figure wouldn't have escaped notice entirely) Fengxian pointed out sadly, as much as he wished it could have been his old friend and sensei that Hekkeran was talking about. (Plus you forget…we know Warrior, he was always looking to prove himself as a strong warrior and as strong as Touch Me, you and me. If he was here, he'd have been seeking out the strongest fighters and proving himself, and as such would have garnered a reputation we'd have heard about by now)
(I know…but even so, if there's the faintest chance we need to be sure…) Henry ventured.
(As much as I'd like to believe it myself, I believe Ki is right. However, there is one way we can be certain…) While they had been exchanging this quick and silent communication, Hekkeran and Imina's eyes had been darting all over the arena looking for an escape route. "Tell me," Ainz spoke up after a short pause. "What did this…shiny figure in red armour say to you exactly?"
"Before I tell you…can you promise that the four of us can leave here in peace?" Hekkeran asked desperately. "If I can get that from them…then I can at least make sure the others get out of here safely, even if I have to die in doing so…"
"If what you claim is true and you really were granted entrance here by a comrade of ours, then you have my word, in the name of the Crown Prince of Nazarick, that you can leave here alive and under your own power," Henry told them, making sure to carefully choose his words so that he couldn't later be accused of going back on his word.
"Out with it…tell us what he said to you. We want to hear every last word…" Ainz added dangerously.
"He said…'If you go to the Great Tomb of Nazarick…give Ainz, Henry and Fengxian my regards when you see them,'" Hekkeran answered confidently, and with that he instantly killed any hope the trio had that their friend might also be in the New World. "After he said that he vanished…that's the last I saw of him…"
"Ainz…are you sure he said Ainz?" The Overlord in question asked. (I thought so…even if I wished it really were him…)
(Yeah that killed it…Warrior would never have known you as Ainz, only as Momonga) Henry concluded sadly.
"A fascinating tale…I must admit, you really got our hopes up there, as for a moment we thought you were actually telling the truth," Ainz sighed disappointedly. "But if you think about it logically, which we always do, your story didn't hold up right from the start which means you deliberately lied to us from the beginning." A well of outrage threatened to burst forth from the Overlord, but he managed to reign in his temper at their disrespect and slander of the person of their much-beloved comrade Warrior Takemikazuchi. "To think you could get away with such…in our own home, the very place we and our comrades built from the ground up with our bare hands?!" Even though he was reigning it in, Ainz's voice had risen as he spoke. "And then to try and get yourself out of it by using false words you claimed were from one of them, insulting their memory in the process? How dare you!" With this final exclamation, Ainz let out some of his dread aura, catching all apart from Henry, his harem and Fengxian off guard and causing Foresight to start trembling even before his emotional suppressor kicked in, preventing him from going off the rails any further.
"Forgive my Father's loss of temper…he holds this place and the memory of our comrades very dear to his heart, so I'm sure you can agree that his anger over you using one of them to try and excuse your way out of this was warranted," Henry excused, although his expression and posture were still stern and unwavering. "Nevertheless, despite his momentary lack of control, those were his true feelings that both I and the Grand Marshal echo. As for your lie? We can hardly blame you…it's a desperate situation and your lives are on the line so you'd say anything to try and live another day."
"Anger leads to rash mistakes, and given how your transgression were without ill intent it is unbecoming of those in our station to judge you for it." Fengxian's words, spoke with a voice akin to a rumble of deep thunder behind his ominous helm, gave the members of Foresight some momentary hope that they might make it out of this in one piece, only for the Nephilim's next words to dampen such hopes. "Nevertheless, we cannot tolerate deception in the sacred grounds of this place, even if born from desperation."
"While our initial anger has subsided, the fact remains that you trespassed in our home. For such an act, there must be consequences," Ainz added, his gleaming red eyes piercing all four humans with unyielding intensity.
Hekkeran, sensing the gravity of their situation and realising that, however folly it might be, he had to make some form of attempt to try and make up for what they'd done, stepped forward, his voice trembling slightly from nerves as he spoke. "Though you are right, and though it may be too late to matter, I speak for us all when I say we understand the gravity of our mistake and are deeply sorry for causing offence."
"If there is any way we can atone-" Roberdyck began, only for the Crown Prince to raise a hand as Solution, Lupusregina and Narberal started to unhook his chest plate.
"Atonement may yet be possible for you, but it will not come easily," he explained as Albedo passed him Touch Me's blade, Justice. "You have entered the domain of the Supreme Beings of Nazarick, and as my father stated you must face the consequences of the choices that led you here."
"The fight to come will serve as a trail of sorts," Ainz continued, his tone softening slightly but still tinged with an authoritative air as he handed the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown to an awed Aura before shrugging off his robe, leaving him in nothing but his bare bones with the red orb that passed as his belly clearly on show and a ludicrously large metal collar affixed around his neck, black trousers and knee-length metal boots. The action of throwing off his robe sent the ornate garment flying, but before anyone else could react Shalltear leapt up and caught it with a delighted squeal, though whether it was because she caught the cloak or had a good view of her beloved's naked glory on show for the first time was anyone's guess. "If you prove your worth, we may yet find a way for you to make up for your mistakes."
"Show us the resolve and comradery that brought you together in the first place and that has helped you overcome every trial that has stood in your way so far," Henry intoned respectfully, now clad in nothing but his usual brown undershirt on top but still wearing his leg plates and armoured boots and clutching Justice loosely in one hand. "Show us that you are more than desperate transgressors. If you can fight with the honour and courage that we hope lies within you, we may yet find a place for you in our plans…plans which will shape the world around you and the course of history forevermore."
Fengxian had remained silent up to this point, but he too had stripped down revealing his ugly, pale-skinned visage and dark glowing eyes. But unlike Henry, he had removed all of his armour and was clad in nothing but the shirt and pants he wore underneath them. "Prepare yourselves, humans," he declared as he stretched his left arm out to the side. "This is the moment to show us that your actions are not the result of desperation, but of true and honourable spirits." (You don't mind if I use it, do you Ise?) He asked his friend privately.
(I don't, and I'm sure neither would he, but thank you for asking) A moment later a massive orange bow appeared in Fengxian's hand, and as everyone got a good look they couldn't help but gasp in awe at seeing another of their legendary Supreme Beings' weapons in their midst. This was Houyi's Bow, the Divine Class weapon once wielded by their good friend and comrade Peroroncino.
All of Foresight exchanged nervous glances, their fear mingling with a spark of determination. They had no illusions about the challenge before them along with how severely outclassed they were. But the fact that the three were taking such measures as show to handicap themselves showed the group that these beings, though undeniably powerful, were also sufficiently honourable in giving them a fair fight of sorts. Coupled with the opportunity to prove themselves, and perhaps earn their atonement and even the chance of leaving here with their lives intact, it was an issued gauntlet they couldn't ignore.
"We understand," Hekkeran stated with a resoluteness that impressed the Supreme Beings and the rest of those gathered as he drew his two blades, with Roberdyck following suit with his morningstar and shield. Behind them, Imina carefully notched an arrow to her bow while Arche prepared to fire off with her magic. "We shall face your trial with all the strength and honour we possess."
Ainz inclined his head slightly before waving for the others, aside from himself, Henry and Fengxian, to leave the arena and head on up into the stands. "Then let the trial by combat begin," he declared as he materialised a short black sword and black shield in his right and left skeletal hands respectively. "Show us your true worth, and earn your chance at redemption."
~TNT~
From this day until the ends of the ages of this world, it was still debated by both mortal and immortal alike who made the first move in this noteworthy exhibition, the final precursor that led to a new dawn that, as the three Supreme Beings had predicted back then, would shatter the very foundations of this New World before proceeding to change it forever.
What was certain though were the participants in each of the three battles that happened that night. No matter who it was that made the first move, Ainz had surged forward with shocking speed and, with agility and skill that belied his calling as the most powerful spell-caster in the lands, swung his small sword in a downward arc at Hekkeran's head. But Hekkeran hadn't attained his stalwart reputation without showing some skill in battle and was able to react just as fast, dodging Ainz's blow before swiping at him with both blades. Ainz, however, was able to twist back around just as fast and got his small shield up to deflect Hekkeran's blow, catching his blades with his small shield before lashing out again, slicing through the air and forcing the leader of Foresight to leap back defensively.
"Good form," Ainz said approvingly. "But if you want this to be a true test of your resolve, come at me with everything you have!"
Hekkeran smirked in response even despite the dire circumstances he and his comrades found themselves in. Not many people had given him such a tricky opening exchange that pushed the limits of his agility and strength, but as he was coming to expect (and as he would learn by the end of the night), Ainz was no ordinary being. "I've never given anything but my all, and I don't intend to stop now!" He called out before rushing Ainz again, both swords held horizontally in front of him.
Across the arena from where his adopted father's clash was taking place, Henry had charged and engaged Roberdyck with such a flurry of blows that the surprised cleric had been forced to put up a protective barrier around himself to protect himself as well as his shield (which he feared would shatter at any moment due to the strength of the attacks), such was the ferocity and power behind the Crown Prince's every strike which was being cheered on by his harem. Gritting his teeth after enduring the initial onslaught, Roberdyck had eventually managed to go on the offensive as he swung his morningstar, shimmering brightly with Holy Magic, towards the Crown Prince's slightly exposed torso with the aim to debilitate him. Unfortunately for the cleric, Henry was too skilled of a warrior to not see that coming and had met the attack head-on, his sword clashing against the morningstar's head causing a shower of sparks to erupt from where the metal had collided. With a burst of strength, Henry pushed the morningstar to the side with calculated efficiency before jabbing his blade at what he thought was Roberdyck's exposed side, only for the cleric to get his shield around and deflect his blow in return in a move that impressed the Crown Prince greatly.
"A masterful show of strength and skill," Henry praised him genuinely during their next weapon clash. "Combining your holy magic with the power of your weapon…a deadly combination I'm looking forward to seeing more of."
"You'll get more of it and then some," Roberdyck answered grimly as he pushed forward, trying his best to break the weapon clash and force the Crown Prince back, but to no avail as he found himself being the one pushed back instead.
As this all had been going on, Fengxian and Imina had been exchanging arrow shots from opposite sides of the arena with unerring accuracy, forcing both the mighty Nephilim and the nimble half-elf to have to dodge and weave to avoid the other's arrows. Not only was the Grand Marshal having to evade Imina's arrows, but he was also having to contend with barrages of magic as Arche fired spell after spell in his direction, each conjuration – no matter whether it was fire, ice, lightning or the other elements – hastily chanted and dispatched with both determination and desperation. Despite both the arrows and magic thrown at him, Fengxian's movements were a dance of lethal precision as he was not only able to avoid everything thrown at him but was also able to fire back just as fast, with one or two of his arrows managing to graze both ladies in either the shoulder or their arms causing them to wince.
"Do not lose focus. Persevere to the very end," he intoned darkly as he notched another arrow and fired, his aim true once more as Arche was forced to put up a magical barrier in order to deflect it.
"Don't count us out just yet," the small mage grimaced as she hastily conjured and fired a barrage of earth spikes at him.
"Yeah, we've got a lot more left in the tank," Imina joined in, although it was clear to see in both her tired eyes and heavily rising chest that the toll of their exertions was beginning to set in for not only her and Arche but also for the male members of their group. Her arrows were becoming more erratic as her sweaty palms started to tremble from the fatigue, while Arche's movements had slowed considerably due to the drain of casting so many powerful spells so rapidly. As for Hekkeran, even as he continued to duck, weave and block against Ainz, his strikes became gradually weaker and less co-ordinated as exhaustion started to settle in, and even Roberdyck's years of combat and devotion to the path of Light was faltering in the midst of Henry's onslaught as his protective magic started to flicker and wane with every swing of his morningstar and shield.
By contrast and even despite their handicaps, the three Supreme Beings still felt as refreshed as ever. Seeing that their opponents were beginning to flag they showed no signs of letting up, their movements becoming more precise and their attacks more relentless, and as the fight wore on the members of Foresight began to falter even more, all of them now panting heavily. Hekkeran's swords were now slipping in his sweaty grip, while Roberdyck's normally steady hands were beginning to tremble as the last reserves of his Holy magic were drained. Imina had collapsed to her knees, the toll of all the running and firing finally catching up with her as her tired eyes darted over the arena, searching for any means of escape while Arche stumbled and would have toppled over if she hadn't dug her staff into the ground to keep her balance.
(Looks like we've pushed them to their breaking point. Ki, stop firing) Fengxian immediately lowered the arrow he had been notching and nodded deferentially to Ainz as the Overlord turned to look at his adopted son whose exposed limbs and face were also drenched in the sweat of their exertions, causing his girls to once more swoon. (Shall we, Ise?)
(Let's do it) Without another word, both Ainz and Henry gripped a ring on each of their right hands and, with slow, deliberate motions, removed them from their fingers. Just as it happened when with Fluder, their magical auras suddenly skyrocketed to their air now that they were no longer being obscured, the air thickening with their overwhelming aura as the ground and the arena itself seemed to pulse with all the power on display, causing all four members of Foresight to collapse completely as they felt them.
Being as attuned to magic as she was, Arche's reaction was immediate as her talent allowed her to instantly pick up on the true depths of Ainz and Henry's magic that had until then been hidden from her. And in sharp contrast to Fluder, her reaction was not one of joy but complete and utter horror. Her eyes bulged in terror, her skin turned white as snow and cold sweat poured over like waterfalls from her body as the realisation of the magnitude of their power overwhelmed her, causing her to retch violently until her throat was sore and the contents of her stomach had emptied all over the ground as she struggled to contain her terror. "Such…power…it's impossible…we never stood a chance..." she gasped between dry heaves as she no longer had anything left to bring back up, and even through their exhaustion the rest of Foresight heard her words. The realisation of the true gap between them and the three beings crashed over them like a tidal wave.
"Well done, all four of you," Ainz praised them, his terrifying skeletal visage showing a rare hint of compassion mixed with genuine approval of what he'd just witnessed. "As you have no doubt witnessed the gulf between our powers is vast, but even knowing that you still gave it your all in this trial. Be proud…even in defeat, you have proven your worth to us."
"You have demonstrated courage and skill in the face of overwhelming adversity," Henry added as he and Fengxian also came forward. In contrast to the ever-stoic expression of the Grand Marshal, the Crown Prince looked wholly satisfied, even elated by what he'd just witnessed. (So, we all agreed then?) He asked the others.
(I am suitably impressed. Convincing them however will be another matter, which I will leave in your capable hands) was all Fengxian had to say, knowing when it came to charisma and persuasion it was better to leave such matters to Suzi and Ise.
(I am glad my initial observations and thoughts about them proved to be correct. For what we have planned, they will be perfect. Now we just have to see if they'll be willing to cooperate) Ainz agreed.
"Does that…mean you'll let us go?" Hekkeran huffed hopefully as every member of Foresight stumbled to their feet.
"Oh no…not at all. That trial was about proving your worth and the strength of your character…it doesn't make up entirely for your crimes even if your intent isn't purely due to greed," Ainz answered immediately as he waved towards the stands.
"You must still atone for entering our sacred grounds and trying to steal from us. Whether you like it or not, your lives are now entirely in our hands," Fengxian added with a hint of steel in his voice. "We already have plans for how you may be useful to us, and the choice for you is rather simple. Either accept what we propose, or die. No matter what, you aren't leaving this place under your own power anymore."
Every member of Foresight wanted to protest this but quickly realised how futile it was given what they'd just been through. If this was the true extent of their power, then their lives could very easily be ended by a causal flick of one of their fingers. Whether they liked it or not, they were quickly understanding that their actions, though free of ill intent, had now bound their fates irrevocably to the three before them. "What do you want from us?" Imina asked grimly.
By this time Jemima had arrived on the arena floor, approaching the Supreme Beings with determined and confident strides, the purple frames of her spectacles catching in the light of the torches that were giving light both to the arena and the surrounding stands. Whereas once before she may have been intimidated by the thought of speaking in front of so many people, the once shy former Seventh Seat of the Black Scripture now radiated a composed and business-like manner as she knelt respectfully before her masters.
"Rise, young one," Ainz told her kindly, and as the young girl got back to her feet Ainz turned his gaze back to the exhausted members of Foresight who were watching this with both curiosity and confusion. "Allow me to introduce Jemina Arneberg, once a member of the Slane Theocracy's Black Scripture and now our loyal and dedicated secretary. Not only is she living proof that humans with talent are accepted and put to good use among us, but she has also been instrumental in developing a new order under our guidance that will play a crucial role in revolutionizing your world as you know it. Jemina, if you please?"
"Of course, my lord," Jemina acknowledged with one more deep bow before turning to face Foresight who had been momentarily dumbfounded by the revelation that a member of the most feared squad in all of the Theocracy was now willingly serving an undead and his compatriots, her short light brown hair framing her face as she opened her bag and retrieved a few documents, holding them neatly in her hands as she began to speak. "Esteemed workers, my name is Jemina Arneberg, formerly of the Slane Theocracy and now a loyal servant to my masters and the future rulers of this world, the Supreme Beings of Nazarick you see standing before you." Her expression, which had at one time displayed full-on terror in the face of these three, now shone with admiration and relentless zeal as she continued. "And I have been so graciously chosen to explain the future establishment of a religious order that will be wholly devoted to each of them."
She cleared her throat, ensuring she had their curiosity and attention before resuming. "This new order, which will be known as the Order of Eternal Sovereignty, will consist of three sects dedicated to Lord Ainz, Crown Prince Henry and Grand Marshal Fengxian, with each reflecting the core values and principles of each of the Supreme Beings. First will be the sect dedicated to Lord Ainz, the Sect of Arcane Illumination. This sect will focus on the mastery of magic and the pursuit of equality among all races, and among its core values will be knowledge, wisdom, inclusivity and the aforementioned equality."
"The second will be the sect dedicated to the Crown Prince, known as the Sect of Majestic Harmony dedicated to upholding the principles of majesty and regality as well as a commitment to compassionate leadership, ensuring the welfare of all those who come under his sect's care, and an appreciation for art and beauty, as exemplified by the choice of our Crown Prince's glorious harem." In the stands, all of Henry's harem blushed at Jemina's praise while Henry himself smiled at how apt Jemina's description was. "Among the core values that will be adhered to by this sect are nobility, elegance, compassion and aesthetic excellence."
"And last of all is the Sect of Righteous Might, dedicated to our steadfast and unrivalled Grand Marshal…" Jemima's eyes and expression shone a little more, a result of the brand on the side of her neck that was now a proud symbol of her dedication to her saviour most of all. "Based on the core beliefs of justice, strength and martial prowess, Lord Fengxian's sect will strive for strength, discipline, justice, fairness, righteousness, the protection of the weak and upholding the balance and order within society."
"These three sects will seek to unify magical mastery, majestic benevolence and righteous might for the betterment of this corrupt world, all under the watchful gaze of our glorious Supreme Beings who exemplify each one of these divine mandates." Though she was now rambling, everyone in the arena as well as the members of Foresight couldn't help but be captivated by what Jemina was professing. "And unlike the current faiths prevalent among the nations of the world, our order and their separate sects will offer free healing services to all, no matter how common or severe the ailment. There will also be no obligation for any citizen to join these sects; participation will be entirely voluntary. The goal of these sects will be to offer guidance and support, not to force and impose these beliefs and values among the population as is often the case, especially in my former nation." Jemima rolled up the scrolls before piercing the members of Foresight with an uncharacteristically stern glance. "Through your actions and after successfully proving your character and worth in the Masters' trial, they have deemed you of having the potential to be the stewards of these sects and help those who seek to learn more about them." She then bowed deeply. "I sincerely hope, for your sake, the sake of the Supreme Beings and the sake of the world as a whole, that you choose to accept this offer and join us in setting this world to rights." Once she was finished, she bowed once more before returning to the stands.
(She spoke well and eloquently, a far cry from the nervous stammer that she possessed upon first arriving at the Tomb) Henry noted with approval.
(Yes, she has exceeded my expectations. I too am satisfied with how far she's come) Fengxian added
(You did well in recruiting her, Ki. She has proven to be a great asset to our cause, and am sure will continue to do so in the future) Ainz agreed. "That is the terms of your atonement," he then said out loud to the stunned members of Foresight who were still coming to terms with the implications of what Jemima had told them. "We await your response."
The arena was silent for a while as all eyes turned to the four workers as they continued to digest everything they had just learnt. After exchanging nervous glances with one another, Hekkeran spoke the question that was on all of their minds. "Do we even have a choice in this matter?"
Ainz chuckled darkly, an amused gleam in his eyes. "Of course you do, though not the choice you think you have," he answered. "You can either choose to accept our offer and submit, swearing to aid in our endeavours to change this world or face imprisonment for the rest of your lives…or worse should you prove especially defiant."
This provoked further uneasy glances between them, all except Arche who, having gotten over her terror upon bearing witness to the power of Ainz and Henry and having cleaned up the vomit from the corners of her mouth, gathered up the courage to speak in a voice that was both trembling and resolute. "M-my lords…before you hear my answer, please allow me one last chance to speak."
"Arche! What are you doing?!" Hekkeran almost hissed, only to wilt as Ainz pierced him with his fierce gaze.
"Speak, but know that if you try to desperately plead for your freedom or make any move to attain it, you will not leave this arena alive," the Overlord told her, indicating upward. As the young mage's gaze travelled to where the robed skeleton was pointing, she saw a pale-skinned girl with fangs, white hair and clad in a purple dress waving at her teasingly. Though he and the others were confident that these humans would value their lives and comradery and would submit, Ainz had nevertheless told Shalltear to hover and overhear, then give chase should any of them get the foolish notion to run, although they had clarified that she would not play around and instead kill them instantly and without pain as a final mercy.
"I understand, my lord," Arche replied after a moment's hesitation. "But I have not spoken up to plead for my freedom but to confess my part in this. The truth is…none of us would be here if it wasn't for the circumstances I find myself in back in Arwintar." Taking a deep breath, she told everyone gathered the truth about her upbringing, her family's loss of noble status and her parents' refusal to accept it which led to them splurging money they didn't have and putting themselves, Arche and her two younger sisters in massive amounts of debt. Arche then described in as concise detail as she could manage everything she'd had to do to not only try and clear her family's debts but also to ensure the safety of her sisters who were more important to her than her own life, which had led to her becoming a worker and taking whatever jobs she could to keep herself and her sisters out of the hands of the vile debt collectors and loan sharks would take them away as slaves and surely overwork them to death as well as the parents who had long stopped caring about them.
"When Hekkeran told me about this job and the reward, I initially didn't want us to go because I refused to put them in any further danger for my sake since they have already done and sacrificed so much for us," Arche continued. "But when I heard that the reward could be enough to clear the debts and keep my sisters out of slavery, I agreed to come. And now, since we find ourselves in mortal peril due to my plight, I would gladly pay the ultimate price of atonement for my crime if it keeps those I care about and love safe..." She then strode forward from the rest of Foresight and knelt, bowing her head low. "I ask…no, I plead of you, my lords…should you possess the means to save my sisters from what awaits them and can do so, I will swear my allegiance to you now without hesitation."
Hekkeran, Imina and Roberdyck all looked at Arche with a mix of shock, shame and pity, knowing the lengths their friend would go to for the sake of her sisters. If she felt placing her fate and that of her sisters in the hands of these powerful beings, whose power she could visibly witness due to her talent, was the only way to save them…then they couldn't really blame her in the slightest for making such a choice.
As for the three Supreme Beings, their expressions turned thoughtful as they considered what Arche had just told them. It greatly explained their pained reactions when the other Workers had boasted about coming along solely for the money as well as their close-knit bond. The fact that all of them, not just Arche, selflessly sacrificed and put themselves in danger time and again for the sake of her and her sisters spoke greatly for their characters and made all three of them inclined to believe her. As the most visibly affected and concerned after hearing the whole story, and after exchanging a nod with Ainz and Fengxian, Henry stepped forward, a soft and sympathetic expression now on his face as he approached Arche's kneeling form. "I sense no lie in your words," he told her kindly. "Your motives are both noble and selfless, and speak well of both your character and that of your comrades. Pledge yourself to our cause, and we will arrange for your sisters to not only be freed but brought here so that you and they may live together in safety as our top priority."
Arche's eyes welled with tears of relief and determination. So many people, not just her comrades, had offered the same thing for much less, but none had had the power to change anything about it. But looking into this man's eyes, knowing the power he and his comrades possessed…she believed him. There was just something about his aura and the way he looked at and spoke to you that made you trust him. "Then, on behalf of both myself and my sisters, I, Arche Eeb Rile Furt, declare my surrender and submission to the Great Tomb of Nazarick and the three Supreme Beings for the rest of my days as atonement for my crimes, and vow to give my all to help achieve your goals and set this world to right."
Ainz then stepped forward and magnanimously offered his skeletal hand out to her. "Rise, young one, and be welcome among us. Come the morning, we shall see to the recovery of your sisters." With a grateful nod of thanks, Arche stood up and to the side, her head bowed as Ainz turned his eyes to the rest of Foresight who had watched this all happen in grim silence. "And what about the rest of you? Will you join your comrade, or resist and be imprisoned with no hope of escape?"
Hekkeran and Imina shared a look between themselves and nodded. Recognising the weight of the situation before them, they knew they had no other choice. This would ensure they could stay together and perhaps be part of something bigger than anything they could have imagined before coming here. "Neither of us wants to be apart from each other, nor our friends," Hekkeran replied with conviction as he felt Imina take his hand and squeeze it. "And we've seen enough of this world to know that it needs changing. If we can play even a small part in changing it for the better, then we too will pledge ourselves to Nazarick."
"Only among Hekkeran and my friends have I found acceptance…throughout most of the world I am hated for what I can't control," Imina added grimly. "Having already seen so many races here seemingly united serving under you, I too will gladly join you to strive for a world of equality for all beings."
"Very good." Ainz's gaze then travelled to Roberdyck who so far had remained silent and unmoved. "And you, cleric?"
"I cannot." Roberdyck's answer caught everyone by surprise, including the other members of Foresight. The other members of Nazarick beside the Supreme Beings frowned and, if looks could kill, would have vaporized the man on the spot had not Ainz raised his hand to forestall their anger.
"What are you doing, Rober? You realise what saying no means right?" Hekkeran pointed out desperately, trying to get his long-time friend and comrade to see reason.
"I'm sorry Hekkeran, and you too Imina and Arche. You may be my friends, and I understand why you made the choice you have, but this is a path I cannot walk with you," the man replied firmly with a shake of his head. "As one who wields the power of the light and holiness, I cannot in good conscience tie my fate to that of an undead, no matter the circumstances." Hekkeran and the others looked as though they wanted to protest, but it was Henry this time who interrupted them.
"This is his decision to make, and as his friends you ought to respect it even if you feel it is wrong." The Crown Prince's gaze then travelled to Roberdyck, but instead of being angry, the man looked at him with both sympathy and understanding. "Your conviction and devotion to the path you walk, while regrettable, is understandable and to be admired. For now, we will accept your choice, but perhaps in time you will change your mind once you see the greater good of our case. Grand Marshal?"
Fengxian nodded as he strode forward and, with a firm yank, pulled the man to his feet and led him away from the rest. Despite knowing the fate that awaited him, Roberdyck went both willingly and with grim determination, so steadfast was he in his convictions.
"It will be a shame for a man of his talents to waste away in our cells, but at the same time it would be wrong of us to change his mind forcibly. The best use of one's skill is when they do it willingly and aren't coerced after all," Ainz spoke up wistfully as he and the rest watched them go.
"I suggest we give him the night to stew, and then come the morning I will speak to him personally," Henry offered. "He's a good man with good principles, but as is often the case with humans he is blinkered by the common racism applied to undead and non-humans, especially in his role as a cleric. If I can make him see past that…he may yet join us."
"A good plan. I will leave that to you, my son." Henry bowed as Ainz turned to Hekkeran and Imina. "If your comrade is going to be under the Crown Prince's purview, and young Arche under my own, process of elimination and your bond will have you working with the Grand Marshal in the long term. But for now, our immediate concerns should be rescuing young Arche's sisters and preparing our response for your employer. I presume you have a name for me?"
"Yes, my lord," Arche replied, her entire frame radiating eagerness and relief knowing that her sisters would be cared for. "Count Femel, a noble who recently fell out of favour with the Emperor."
"I see…then both this Count and your Emperor are in for a surprise." Ainz waved Aura over, and as the boisterous dark elf knelt at her ruler's feet Ainz explained what he wanted her to do. "Find your brother, then go and speak to Demiurge. He'll instruct you as to what our response will be. Then as soon as the sun rises, you and your brother will take our displeasure to this Emperor personally." Aura nodded and eagerly ran off. "The rest of you, aside from my son, Albedo and Miss Jemima, are dismissed."
~TNT~
The cold chill of Nazarick's icy fifth floor seeped through the floor and into Roberdyck's bones as he sat in the dimly lit jail cell, the only light seeping in was that reflected by the icy surfaces he found himself surrounded by. The walls, frosted with ice, reflected his breath in ghostly puffs as he knelt on both knees, eyes closed as he maintained his focus on ignoring the freezing sensations flowing through him. The cleric hadn't slept a wink in the few hours since he'd been placed in here by Nazarick's intimating Grand Marshal, instead contemplating on the events of last night and the result of his actions that had led him here while hoping that his friends were doing much better.
His thoughts were interrupted as he heard the door to his cell creak open, and as he raised his head and opened his eyes he found himself looking into the cold gaze of the blonde-haired maid who had come out with the Crown Prince last night. Before Roberdyck could say anything, the maid knelt down and unchained the man's manacles before standing up once more.
"Follow me, and do not tarry or leave my side," she beckoned him in a tone that brooked no arguments. "My Crown Prince wishes to speak to you." The man narrowed his eyes but didn't argue as he followed her out of the prison and into the harsh extremities of the frozen wastelands outside. Thankfully they weren't here long as the maid led him through several gates and up what appeared to be several floors until they arrived in a luxurious winding corridor. After a few short minutes more of walking, the maid came to an ornate set of double doors and knocked. "My beloved…I have brought the prisoner, as you requested."
"You may enter then, my dear," came the reply from behind the doors, as the blonde-haired maid opened them Roberdyck found himself standing in the most opulent bedroom he had ever seen during his many years of adventuring, consisting of a massive King-size bed with red covers that looked to be made out of the finest of silks and white pillows that appeared to be made out of clouds and so soft that one would fall asleep as soon as one would place their head on them, finely made sofas and chairs, a luscious black carpet that covered the whole floor, statues of various majestic animals, a fireplace that was currently burning that gave the room quite the cosy feeling, shelves containing many books were spread all around the walls as were paintings of many people he did not recognise, the most striking of which had to be one of a man dressed in military attire, riding a majestic white stallion in the mountains, his free right hand pointing forward to no doubt his men as his red sash flowed in the wind
Sitting at one end of a large round table in the middle was the handsome figure of the Crown Prince, dressed in casual clothing and wearing a relaxed expression on his face as he watched Roberdyck enter. Also present was the black-haired, pale-skinned maid who had also been there the night before and who was currently occupied laying out various drinks on the table. "Welcome, Roberdyck. Please, have a seat," the man greeted, his voice deep and imposing but altogether welcoming.
While wary given the situation, Roberdyck nodded respectfully as he did as he was bidden. Now free from her duties of escorting the man, Solution took her place off to the side to allow her beloved and his guest to confer in private, although her cold, blank stare remained on him the entire time. As the man took his seat, he noticed with a raised eyebrow the maid spooning several cubes of sugar into the Crown Prince's tea, much more than was considered healthy. Noticing his gaze, Henry smiled.
"I have a sweet tooth I will admit, but I cannot drink it any other way, the bitterness is simply abhorrent otherwise. One of the simple pleasures of this world that I cannot help but enjoy," he explained while stirring his tea with a small spoon. "Would you care for some?"
"Just water will be fine thank you," Roberdyck answered with a shake of his head. Nodding, Henry motioned to Narberal who poured a glass of water from the jug on the table and placed it before Roberdyck. Her duties now complete, Narberal bowed her head demurely and took her place beside Solution at the far end of the room.
For a short while the two men remained in silence, drinking their respective drinks before the cleric spoke up. "With all due respect, Crown Prince, I do not believe you sent for me to explain your preferences in hot drinks. Why am I here?"
With one final sip of his tea, Henry put his cup down as his expression turned serious. "Because I wanted to offer you another chance to change your mind," he began. "Before we begin though, I want to reiterate and understand that I admire your convictions and your beliefs and would not want you to easily forsake them. All I want you to do is consider things from the perspective we are aiming for and try to understand that our interests don't have to be as conflicting as you seem to think."
Roberdyck nodded, having considered this might happen during his temporary incarceration. "Very well. I will listen, but make no promises to accept your words or change my mind."
His words didn't seem to have deterred the Crown Prince, as though he'd expected such a response. "I understand your reservations. As a man of faith and conviction, your beliefs have no doubt guided you throughout your life. But surely your principles wouldn't go against the ones we are aspiring for here, those based on common decency, humanitarianism and the simple truth that helping others in need is the right thing to do, no matter the circumstances."
"You are right…those are principles I do value and will always aspire to follow," Roberdyck concurred, not doubting the sincerity in the man's words. "But surely you must understand the contradiction between your words and the truth of the matter being that you serve an undead, an entity that not only does my faith condemn but also acts as the antithesis to the very morals you claim to follow."
Henry nodded, understanding the man's argument. "Yes, I do serve Ainz who is an undead, and I can understand why that may be at odds with your beliefs, but I want you to consider all you have seen since you arrived here and consider whether or not your view still applies to the situation." He leant forward and rested his chin on his steepled hands. "Would what you view as an undead have shown you mercy as Ainz did? Would it have offered you a chance for atonement as Ainz did? Don't answer that, we both know it wouldn't have. Any other undead would have killed you and left your corpses rotting. Do you see what I'm getting at here?"
This was a line of argument Roberdyck hadn't considered, but Henry wasn't done yet. "And consider this as well…no doubt you are wondering why your friends aren't here. As we speak, my father, Lord Ainz, has sanctioned the operation to free Arche's sisters, and your comrades along with my consort, Lupusregina, are currently in Arwintar seeing to their safety. They will no longer have to fear being sold as slaves and instead will be given a chance at a better life here with the freedom to pursue whatever they wish. Is that not an act of humanitarianism presided over by an undead, an entity which you claim is not capable of such, and proof that our commitment to such a tenant is genuine?"
Roberdyck pondered Henry's words, looking thoughtful but for the moment still unconvinced. "Suppose I do believe that you and your boss are genuinely working towards those aims, what about the part where you claim you want to change the world and do away with, as you claim, the discrimination and misery that plagues it?" He challenged. "How can you claim that you'll bring prosperity without inflicting the same ills on the world as those who currently sit astride it?"
It was another line of argument that Henry had expected and was prepared for as he fixed the cleric with the full intensity of his gaze. "I've travelled throughout the lands surrounding us for a while now, and witnessed first-hand the corruption and suffering that exists within all of their societies. Under our guidance, we want to create a world where those prejudices and ills no longer hold sway and instead create societies and cultures where talent and merit are the benchmarks of success and how much one can achieve, not birthright or race. Imagine, for a moment, a world where everyone, regardless of origin, can prosper. That is the future I, my father and the Grand Marshal strive for."
Roberdyck shook his head in disbelief. "I am not blind…these issues have plagued the nations of this world for many years, centuries even from well before I was born. It feels, as much as it pains me to say, natural to the world in the way that food and water are. What makes you think, out of everyone who has come before and who lives now, that you can be the ones to change them?"
"Because we are the only ones who have the power and the conviction to do so," Henry answered immediately. "While you see Ainz as an undead and the embodiment of evil, I have known him for many, many aeons and can tell you with full certainty he is anything but what you think. He may have to be ruthless at times, as every ruler needs to be, but he genuinely wishes not only for the world we just spoke about but also to alleviate the suffering of the common folk, and create a world where everyone, regardless of race, can live without fear or prejudice."
Seeing that Roberdyck was waning in the face of his arguments, Henry pressed home his point. "I understand overcoming such ingrained racism won't be easy for you, and myself, Ainz and Fengxian expected nothing less which is why we have agreed on a compromise. Instead of pledging yourself to Ainz, serve under me directly, and then witness what we accomplish and then judge for yourself." He then sat back and spread his arms wide. "You saw for yourself the diversity of races under our banner: Demons, dark elves, vampires and humans, and that's only the races you've seen for yourself. We also have the entirety of the Lizardmen tribes living in peace under our rule in the Great Lakes. And then there's Fengxian and myself…a Nephilim and a dragon." Seeing Roberdyck's stunned look, Henry did a partial transformation of his hands and head to show his draconic features. "We are neither undead nor human, and yet we willingly serve Ainz because we believe in him and the cause that unites everyone who dwells here: a world of talent, prosperity, plenty, peace, happiness and equality. Does that not sound like the ideal world to you?"
"Y-You're a dragon? But how? Aren't all dragons meant to be larger-than-life beasts who hide up in their mountains and hoard away their gold and magic?" For perhaps the first time in his life, Roberdyck was completely floored by what he'd seen.
"Once again you are led by the casual racism the world has told you, but again I do not blame you," Henry smirked as he relaxed his features once more into their human form. "But now you have seen with your own eyes that not only is an undead not as evil as you might have believed, but a dragon walks among his servants in human form and seeks to save, not hoard."
"Common decency tells us to judge individuals by their actions, not by the race or species they belong to. Humanitarianism demands we extend a hand to those in need, regardless of their origins. These principles are not merely ideals; they are the foundation upon which a just society can be built. You also spoke of us possibly enacting a reign of tyranny, but what is true tyranny if not the blind adherence to the prejudices that divide instead of unite? Despite what you see and know of the undead, the Ainz I know stands as a symbol that these prejudices are entirely misguided. He strives to create a world where suffering is minimized, and his actions are guided by the only common-sense principle that every ruler should strive for: protect the weak, bring justice to their oppressors, uplift the worthy and cast down the corrupt and greedy."
Henry then got up and strode around the table before, in an act that surprised Roberdyck and brought great pride to his ladies that were watching, taking a knee and looking the cleric straight in the eye. "I will repeat what I said earlier: changing one's deeply held beliefs is not easy. It will take time, experience and witnessing these changes first-hand to fully comprehend. This is why I'm asking, not demanding, you to serve under me and work alongside me to uphold these principles and to see and witness for yourself the truth of my words and the sincerity of our cause, a world where no one is judged by the prejudices of the past and where one's actions define their worth. Join us, not just for the sake of your friends, but the possibility of a better world led by the likes of you and I where we can guide the lost, downtrodden and oppressed towards a future filled with hope and equality."
Roberdyck took a deep breath, his eyes searching the man's for any sign of deceit and finding none. The sincerity in his eyes and the conviction of his words were undeniable. In the face of all he had seen and witnessed over the past night and morning, there was only one choice he could make. "I cannot deny the truth of your words," the cleric said slowly, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I have seen the suffering and injustice in this world, and I have fought against it in my own way. But perhaps it is time to fight differently, to see if a new path can indeed lead to the change we so desperately need."
He paused, glancing at the floor as if gathering his thoughts. When he looked back up, his eyes were filled with determination. "I will serve under you, Henry. Not because I am forced to, but because I choose to believe in the possibility of a better world. I will work alongside you to uphold these principles and to witness firsthand the truth of your words. I will do this for my friends, for the people who suffer, and for the hope that we can indeed guide the lost and the downtrodden towards a future filled with hope and equality."
Henry's expression softened into a genuine smile as he stood and extended his hand. "Thank you, Roberdyck. I swear on my name that you will not regret this. Together, and with the rest of Nazarick and Foresight working together, I know we can make a difference." Roberdyck grasped his offered hand firmly, the two men sealing their agreement with a handshake.
~TNT~
The dim light and eerie silence of the early morning dawn on the streets of Arwintar was of great comfort for Arche, Hekkeran and Imina as, after being transported into the capital thanks to Ainz's magic, they were now dashing through the dimly lit streets of the Empire's capital towards Arche's home. The young mage's heart was pounding in her chest, a mixture of anxiety and determination fuelling her steps after all of the countless sleepless nights she had spent worrying over the fate of her little sisters tinged with ever-rising hope. She was with her friends, and they had the backing of their new masters in Nazarick. She was determined this was going to be the day she freed herself and her sisters from their parents' oppressive grip.
The trio were relieved to find the mansion dark and quiet, as for whatever reason Arche's parents didn't appear to be home right now which gave them the perfect opportunity to gather the girls and leave without the confrontation she dreaded. After peeking inside to make sure the coast was clear, Arche pushed the door open and led Hekkeran and Imina inside where they were immediately greeted by the sight of two small girls, little versions of Arche with flawless skin and sun-kissed golden hair held back by black headbands and vibrant blue eyes, rushing down the stairs towards them, their eyes and expressions wide with delight.
"Big sis! Mister Hekkeran! Miss Imina!" Ureirika, wearing a pretty pink dress and shoes, and Kuuderika, wearing the same ensemble as her sister only in blue rather than pink, cried out happily as they closed the distance and wrapped their arms around Arche who proceeded to hug them gently to her for a moment. "We were so worried! Are you all okay? And where is Mister Roberdyck?"
"Shh, girls. We're all fine, and I promise I'll explain everything later," Arche whispered urgently, her eyes darting around the mansion nervously. "We don't have much time. Pack your things quickly; we're leaving."
Perhaps sensing the urgency in her words, the two young girls didn't argue and instead, with Hekkeran and Imina's assistance, began rapidly gathering their belongings and stuffing them into bags. But just before the group of five could leave, the doors of the mansion burst open revealing the return of Arche's parents, their initially smug expressions morphing into confusion and then boiling into fury as they took in the scene before them.
"What is the meaning of this?" Arche's father, one of the most pompous people one could ever know, with his pale skin, slicked back blonde hair tied in a small ponytail, stereotypical noble curls at the sides of his head, smug blue eyes, a pencil moustache and fancy clothes he could not afford to keep buying but persisted to anyway, roared, his face turning a furious shade of red. His eyes blazed as they landed on Arche, who stood protectively in front of her sisters. "Arche, you will cease this foolish behaviour at once! How dare you disrespect us like this after all we've done for you!"
Arche's mother, with likewise pale skin, smug blue eyes, dirt blonde hair styled back and clothes that spoke of a woman who desperately clung to the days of the prime of her youth, beauty and noble status long gone, was equally incensed, glaring at the group with a mixture of disdain and disbelief. "You ungrateful child! We sacrificed so much for you, and this is how you repay us?"
Before Arche could respond, Hekkeran stepped forward and placed himself between the girls and their parents, his voice steady and filled with barely concealed contempt. ""All you've done? All you've done is make their lives miserable and forced Arche to risk her health and safety to clear the debts you racked up!"
Arche's father's eyes narrowed into slits as he turned his fury towards Hekkeran. "This is none of your business, mercenary. You and that half-breed harlot of yours should stay out of family matters."
Imina bristled at the insult, her hand instinctively moving to her bow. But Hekkeran placed a calming hand on her arm, stopping her. "None of our business?" Hekkeran spat back. "Arche is our friend, and her sisters don't deserve to suffer because of your selfishness. You're the ones who made it our business."
Arche's father sneered at them, his voice dripping with venom. "The decision has already been made. The contract is signed. Arche and her sisters will be sold to our debtors to work off the debts for however many years it takes. You have no say in this."
Arche felt her blood run cold. Her heart pounded in her chest as her father's words sank in. Her sisters clung to her, their faces pale with fear and confusion while Hekkeran and Imina's hands trembled with white-hot fury, preparing to leap in to defend her friend and her sisters if need be. Anger surged within her, a wave of fierce, protective anger that threatened to overwhelm her and make her do what she always dreamed of for countless nights now: strangle the leeches that she was cursed to call her parents with her bare hands. "No," her voice shaking because of her fury but held an absolute resolve. "I will not let you sell them. We're leaving, and you can't stop us."
Before anyone could react further, the door swung open again with a loud creak, and Lupusregina bounded into the room, clad in her ever-present maid outfit and a beaming smile lighting up her face. She held up a charred piece of parchment, waving it triumphantly. "Oh my, looks like I arrived just in time!" she sang out. "I met some very unpleasant people outside and decided to relieve them of this troublesome piece of paper, which means the deal's off. The girls are now under our protection, and are coming with us."
Arche's father's face contorted with rage as he lunged at Lupusregina, his hand raised to strike. "You insolent—" he began, but his words were cut off as Lupusregina moved with lightning speed. She delivered a swift, precise chop to his neck, sending him crumpling to the ground in an unconscious heap. Arche's mother, shocked and horrified, barely had time to react before she too was incapacitated by a similar blow.
Lupusregina dusted off her hands and turned to Arche's sisters, her smile never wavering. "Now, now, no need for more violence so early in the morning. My beloved would be most disappointed in me if I resorted to such barbarism," she said cheerily. She knelt to their level and produced a handful of colourful sweets from her pockets, holding them out. "Are you two okay? Want some candy?"
The girls, their fear dissipating in the face of Lupusregina's warmth and the allure of the treats, nodded eagerly. They took the candies with wide-eyed amazement, their small hands trembling slightly but their faces lighting up with cautious smiles as they happily chomped away at them.
"There'll be more of that where we're going, I promise," Lupusregina told them sweetly before offering her hands to the girls. "Let's get you out of here, okay?"
Ureirika and Kuuderika, now completely at ease in the face of such concern and tenderness, grabbed her hands and allowed the maid to lead them towards the door while asking her excitedly about all the candy that awaited them where they were going. As the red-haired maid laughed at their childish exuberance, Arche allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief and relax for the first time in so long.
"You did it, Arche," Hekkeran told her as he clasped a hand on her shoulder, his other arm shouldering the bag containing Ureirika's possessions. "They're safe now, thanks to the choice that you made."
"We all made the right choice," Imina agreed, Kuuderika's bag sitting on her back. "This is the start of something better, for all of us. I just hope Rober can be part of it too."
"I'm sure he will…the Crown Prince was pretty confident he could get Rober to change his mind," Hekkeran reassured her with a confident smile.
Arche couldn't help it. Her eyes swam with tears as the weight of the past burdens she'd had to carry and all of the sacrifices she had made began to lift from her shoulders. She had achieved what she had been striving towards for years, and now that she knew her sisters would be safe she could move into the future that awaited, a future that looked hopeful and promising now that they were under the banner of Nazarick. "Thank you, both of you," she spoke up, her voice thick with emotion. "And thank you, Lupusregina…for everything you and your masters have done for us."
"It's nothing at all, just doing my part!" Lupusregina waved off with a cheerful laugh before looking back at them with a warm smile. "You're all part of Nazarick now, and we take care of our own."
As the five left the house, Arche never once looked back at the mansion or her parents, whose unconscious bodies were being carried off by the debt collectors as instructed by Lupusregina, as with all of their daughters gone for good it'd be up to them to work to pay back their own debts. That part of her life would be now consigned to a distant memory, and instead she, her sisters and her friends would focus on the path ahead of them, one filled with a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
~TNT~
"None of the workers we sent survived?" The normally calm countenance of the Baharuth Emperor flickered slightly while everyone else gathered at the hastily arranged council meeting all had various reactions of shock and alarm to the news. Composing himself, Jircniv's usual thoughtful expression was quickly back in place, as though it had never faltered. "I see…now at least we know the strength of this Ainz Ooal Gown and those who follow him. They were all highly capable teams, which means this Ainz is not to be trifled with under any circumstances. He is a true threat…" (All three Supreme Beings had agreed that Foresight's survival and surrender were to be kept secret for now, hence why the report stated that all four teams had died when exploring the Great Tomb)
"You have grown to be a fine young leader, my Emperor…" Fluder thought to himself as he watched Jircniv order his Imperial Knights and other guards to put the appropriate countermeasures in place for Ainz's expected retaliation. "I have served under six generations of Emperors, and even amongst this even your greatness cannot hope to compare to the faintest flicker of the majesty and power of my new gods…but it is my sincere hope they might find a place for you in their new-"
"Old man? Are you there?" Fluder was snapped out of his musings as he noticed the Emperor and everyone else present were now looking at him.
"Forgive me, your Majesty," the old magus answered with a small bow while internally cursing himself for losing focus. "My mind was elsewhere…pay me no heed."
"On the contrary, even though you are getting on years, I still rely on your wise council, especially in these uncertain times," Jircniv waved off magnanimously before fixing him with a devious smile. "In regards to this mess with the workers, we need to clean up the pieces. Taking the head of one foolish noble should help settle things nicely…that was the idea, was it not?"
"As you say, your Majesty," Fluder answered while internally chuckling. How naïve his poor Emperor was to think that such a paltry offering would be enough to satisfy his new gods! "The people in this room are the only ones who know the full truth of it all."
"True, although to be safe I think we should-" Whatever the young Emperor was about to say was cut off by a sudden loud impact from outside which seemed to shake the foundations of the palace itself. "What is this? Are we under attack?!"
"Your Majesty!" One of Jircniv's Imperial Guards burst into the room from the outside balcony. "It-it's a dragon! A dragon has landed in the Imperial Garden!" This report caused everyone present to rush as fast as they could onto the balcony, and as they looked down they saw to their horror that the guard had not been exaggerating: A large golden dragon, with spikes trailing down its head, back and tail, piercing claws, majestic wings and wood-like horns was currently standing in the middle of the courtyard, surrounded by countless Imperial guards and other soldiers of the Empire who, despite their numerical superiority, were not inclined to approach the beast who was glaring at them fiercely, as if daring them to attack.
"What the hell is going on here? It's not from the Council State, is it?!" One noble exclaimed
"How could the Royal Guard have let it through unnoticed?!" Another asked.
"Lord Paradyne! Do you have any clue what this is about?" One more stammered.
Fluder shook his head, even as his insides did a giddy dance. "This is not a species of dragon I am familiar with," he answered gravely. "But it seems to be carrying two dark elves on its back." It was only Fluder's words that enlightened everyone present to the two small creatures who casually leapt off the dragon's back, only to be confronted by Nazami Enec of the Imperial Knights clad with his mighty dual shields who had been stationed there along with a contingent of the Imperial Guard.
"He's just walking up to them…I don't think that's a good idea…" Baziwood shook his head before flinging an arm in front of the Emperor who was standing beside him. "Please take cover, your Majesty."
"No." Jircniv's response caught everyone aback as he gripped the railings before them tightly. "Since they landed directly in our gardens, clearly nowhere is safe." Before the guards could protest, the elf wearing white, gold and red began to speak.
"Attention everyone! Can you all hear me?" Aura shouted, her voice carrying to everyone in the vicinity and those observing from up above. "My name is Aura Bella Fiora, and this is my brother, Mare Bello Fiore. We are envoys sent on behalf of our three glorious Supreme Beings. The Great Tomb of Nazarick, which they call their home, was recently invaded by some unsavoury sorts sent by YOUR Emperor!" This caused Jircniv to frown as he realised he'd been caught out. How could they have known?! "This has greatly displeased our masters, and should no one come forward to apologise for this offence, they will come personally and reduce your empire to ash in the blink of an eye!"
Such a threat made everyone shudder, but it was clear by the ferocity of Aura's gaze that she wasn't done speaking. Despite knowing this was all part of their masters' plans, both she and her brother couldn't help but feel insulted that their sacred home had been defiled by those seeking nothing but wealth. At least the good ones had been convinced to join them in the end. As such there was no need to fake the venom behind her next words. "As proof, we'll start by eliminating everyone here! Mare?"
"O-okay…here we go!" The timid elf called out as he lifted his staff and brought it down upon the floor of the courtyard, opening up a massive sinkhole in the immediate area around where they standing that proceeded to swallow up Nazami and the rest of the guards, sending them screaming to their demise into the earthy depths below.
"T-This cannot be…" Jircniv was lost for words as he and others around him were shocked to their very cores by this casual display of power. If this was what their envoys were capable of, just what manner of beings were they dealing with?!
~TNT~
Edster: WOW! That was much longer than I thought it was going to be, but given what's been covered in this chapter it was totally worth the length. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed writing it because trust me, daniel and I REALLY wanted to get this chapter right and I'm fairly confident we did.
Let's get the major elephant in the room out of the way: We always planned to have Foresight, and Arche's sisters live past this point right from the conception of the idea for this story. Since we're no longer going down the road of evil that Ainz does in canon, and building a pool of talent from both the human and non-human races for Nazarick, they seemed ideal candidates for not only that but the other canon change we had planned, and one that was heavily inspired by, as with a lot of elements in this story, the Overlord story 'The Antichrist Cometh' on this site by GoodguysRoverated: the establishment of a faith containing three sects dedicated to the Supreme Beings and which will be stewarded by both Foresight and other characters who have yet to be introduced. As for Ureirika and Kuuderika, they'll be trained to work alongside their sister but very much left to enjoy life until they are of age, and then we'll slot them in somewhere appropriate yet completely safe.
We're also very proud of the way we handled Roberdyck's part in all this. Again, we knew he'd be the holdout among them and with good reason, but since we have Henry as the charismatic one of the trio we knew it would be up to him to persuade Roberdyck to work with our trio willingly and it turned out even better than I'd hoped! He's going to be the ideal steward for Henry's sect but will have help later down the line.
And oh boy, Jircniv is sure in a pickle now ain't he? Well, it's only going to go downhill from here when he meets our three protagonists next time out, which we can't wait to get our teeth into!
daniel: Well, this was a long one! Hope you all liked it! As my co-author said: we planned from the get-go that Foresight and Arche's sisters would have a MUCH better fate. As much as I love Overlord that was the moment any doubts were erased that Ainz and Nazarick were the villains of the story. I still love an amazing villain of course but that would not fly in our story, very proud of how it all came together and much of the credit goes to my co-author! He's amazing and needs to give himself more credit for it!
And man is Jircniv EVER going to regret the move he made against Nazarick, we will not go easy on the guy's mental health and paranoia I can tell you that much…
Edster: Before we end, I have a few small announcements concerning the future of this story and what's next for daniel and I. First off, we have agreed to end this story after the events of season 3, but this will just be the first part of this tale. The second part will cover Season 4, the Holy Kingdom movie and what comes after and is tentatively scheduled for either late 2025 or early 2026, depending on how well our other endeavours go.
Second, that means the third part of my True Shield-Hero saga, Trials of a True-Shield Hero, will be starting up later this year as I promised. And then once that's done, daniel and I have another collab fanfiction planned in another Isekai universe. We're going to keep the wraps on that one for the time being since we're still in the early stages of planning, but just as with this story it's already looking like it'll be another good one.
Okay, I have waffled on enough. Expect the next chapter to come in 2 weeks' time or thereabouts as always, although it could be a day or two earlier or later since I have plans for that weekend (it being my birthday weekend and all). Until then, thank you all once again for all the love you are showing this story and we'll see you next time in the epic next chapter of the Nazarick Triumvirate!
