A Vulpine Spanner in the Works

Chapter 61: Dead Men Talking

[Seth]

Day 66:

Waking up today, I almost expected that it would be just like the past few days. Enri or Nemu would come in to feed me before the older blonde would help me with… other embarrassing tasks that I was apologetic for. I really hoped to be able to be walking soon so that I could relieve myself without the girl having to hold a pot under me.

Yet, midway through the normal procedure, Enri and I heard a knock on the doorway, making both of us turn to look at the grinning face of Lupusregina gazing at each of us. "Good morning, Enri and Seth. I'm pleased to see that both of you are awake," the tanned woman greeted.

"Oh, hello there, Lupusregina. It's a bit surprising to see you again so soon," Enri replied, getting a chuckle from the strange woman.

"Yes, well, I just had to stop by because I enjoy visiting this little village and to see Seth so that I can give him a little gift," Lupusregina said as she approached the bed.

"A gift?" I asked, sightly confused on why I was even receiving one.

"Yup! A very generous gift from my Lord, Ainz Ooal Gown," Lupusregina confirmed as her hand stuck itself into some tiny, black portal and pulled out a small, glass bottle capped in what I think was actual gold. Inside of it was a bright, red liquid that slightly reminded me of blood. "After I told my Lord of your plight, he became interested in helping you with one of his healing potions."

The tanned woman playfully shook the bottle like it was a tiny bell. Yet, my eyes found themselves trailing up towards Lupusregina's strange black and white hat. I know for a fact that I just saw one of the corners of it twitch, like… a long ear was hiding under it…

Rememb-r to k-ep you- hat on, -as-ia. Wouldn't want it fal- off and reveal somet-ing it s-ou-dn't.

But, daddy! I hat- we-ring my hat! It -akes ever-thing sound weird a-d makes my ears -ore.

I know, kiddo. -ut it's on-y going -o be for a l-ttle while. I'm ju-t trying to -eep you safe.

Okay, daddy…

Pulling myself from that scrambled recollection, I focused back on Lupusregina's face once more as she pulled off the bottle's golden stopper and held it to my mouth. "Hopefully, a bottle of this will get you on your feet a little quicker," the tanned woman said.

Glancing to the bottle, I had no reason to truly distrust the generosity, so I opened my mouth and let her pour the red liquid in. I had almost expected it to match the metallic taste of blood, yet I was surprised to find it a little sweet.

It was soon after finishing this potion that I felt a warmth travel throughout my entire body. For a moment, I felt stronger, enough so to be able to lift my arm without the straining shake of weakness. My legs, while still heavy, were able to move more than they had in a long while.

"That was incredible,'' Enri commented as she looked at me as I tested my movements. "Are you able to try and stand, Seth?"

I gave the blonde girl a wry smile and shook my head. "Sadly, not yet. Maybe another day or two."

"Well, it's more progress than I've seen in days from your recovery," Enri said, to which I nodded and looked to the amused redhead beside me.

"Thank you, Lupusregina. And thank Ainz for me, will you?" I said gratefully.

Lupusregina nodded, "Don't worry, I'll be certain to tell my Lord of your gratitude. Try to get well, Seth, and I'll hopefully see you later," the tanned woman said as she got up from my bed and began walking away. Yet, I couldn't shake off that cruel glint I saw in her eyes for a single moment.

"It's amazing to hear that Lord Ainz was kind enough to give you aid like he did Carne Village," Enri said with a large smile.

That caught my ear and I gave the girl a curious glance. "How did he aid your village?" I asked.

"Almost two months ago, Carne Village was attacked by soldiers of the Slane Theocracy. A lot of villagers ended up being killed by them, and both Nemu and I would've joined them if not for Lord Ainz's timely arrival, killing the enemy soldiers and saving us. He even managed to save the Kingdom's strongest warrior, Gazef, from being killed by an ambush of more Slane soldiers."

That was when my mind went to the clothes that I was wearing. How they were made for someone of a larger build. The reason that Enri looked at them sadly…

Two options came to mind. The first would be her lover, yet I just felt it wasn't the case. The other would be her father.

"You lost your dad in that raid, didn't you?" I guessed, which based on Enri's sad reaction, was the correct guess.

"Nemu and I lost him that day. We weren't the only ones to lose someone, and all the villagers have been helping one another with whatever manner of grieving they've chosen, but it doesn't take away that sense of loss," Enri replied before a small smile grew on her face. "But there's the small comfort I feel in honoring his memory by taking care of this village as its chief."

"It's nice to hear that you are trying to move on despite all of that," I praised, noting that Enri began perking up at my words.

"Sometimes, that's all you can do," the blonde girl remarked as she finished feeding me. "N–"

Enri was about to say something when she was quickly interrupted by Nemu running into the room excitedly. "Enri! Mr. Ainz is outside! He wants to talk to you!" The red-haired girl exclaimed as she arrived next to her sister.

Said blonde looked immensely surprised, and I guess I did as well since the way that Lupusregina said it, I had expected this Ainz to be far away. Wonder why he was here?

"I guess I shouldn't keep him waiting." Enri quickly got up from where she had been sitting at the side of my bed. "I'll be back soon, Seth," the blonde said in assurance while I just gave her a calm nod and smile.

"It's fine. Do what you need to," I answer back. Then, I watched as she and Nemu quickly left my room together, leaving me alone once more to my thoughts.

Last night's dream still haunted my thoughts as I pondered where it was I might've even been? And more importantly, who was that woman named Inari?

She felt important to me, and every time I thought about her, recalled her voice, I felt a painful longing. Who–

I was standing in a small room with a kitchen built into the wall on one side of the room and minor furnishings of a table and some chairs. Scattered around this place were boxes full of canned foods, bottles of water, and some blankets.

My first action was to head over to the table and set down the large pack of supplies I'd been carrying onto the singular table in the room. Then, I started taking off the multiple, heavy layers of clothes I'd been wearing alongside the mask over my face.

"Make yourself at home. I'm sorry about the mess, but I've been a bit focused on trying to prep for the storm," I said, no longer tasting the stale, filtered air of my mask as I removed it.

"It's alright, Seth. You weren't expecting company to begin with," Inari replied as she removed the hooded cloak, revealing long strands of pure-white hair. I was about to wonder if she was much older than she sounded until she removed the mask over her face.

As soon as I saw her face, I felt entranced at her appearance. She was probably the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my life. Her silver eyes looked around the room in curiosity before they finally focused their attention upon me.

My heartbeat sped up as I almost wanted to just lose myself in them, but with a great force of will, I pulled myself away from staring at her and reached over to grab a water bottle. Then, I held it out to Inari, "H-Here, I bet you're probably thirsty. I-I'll get to work cooking some dinner for us soon."

Inari gave me an appreciative smile while her eyes looked at me with some amusement. "Thanks, Seth," she said, taking the bottle before opening it and drinking the water inside.

"Y-You're welcome," I said as I went over to the kitchen to start making dinner…

I found myself pulled from my thoughts as a looming figure ducked through the doorway of my bedroom and entered. The first thing to notice about the man is that he was extremely tall.

The next is that his entire body was covered in an encompassing black and purple robe. His hands were covered in a pair of dark gloves, while his face was hidden behind a strange red and green mask with a pair of blue eyes and an inhumanly large grin. Yet despite the mask's intimidating appearance, it didn't terrifying me as much as the aura the man exuded from his sheer presence.

Strangely, that aura felt familiar to me, in an odd way. Almost like I had been subsumed in it, but why might that be?

Who or what was he? Why was he here?

I watched in trepidation as the large man approached my bedside and pulled over a chair to sit upon. Despite his masked visage, I could just feel his heavy gaze burning into me. For some ominous reason, it filled me with a small sense of dread.

"Good morning, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Momonga," the man greeted pleasantly, greatly countering that very same dread I had earlier experienced. It was very odd…

But seeing as how he didn't seem hostile, I decided to try and return this friendliness of his with some of my own. It was best to not be rude after all.

"It's nice to meet you, Momonga. My name – I believe – is Seth. How might I be able to help you, with what little ability I have to do so?" I asked with a nervous joke.

"I see that you're looking stronger than what was initially reported. Did the potion I sent with my subordinate help with that?" Momonga asked, slightly confusing me.

"But Lupusregina said that Ainz Ooal Gown sent me the potion, unless you're actually him," I replied, receiving a short chuckle from the man.

"You're correct. The name I typically go by nowadays is Ainz Ooal Gown, but I used to primarily go by the name of Momonga. Though, I do understand the confusion," Momonga explained and I nodded in agreement.

Then, I held my hand out to the large man, "Names regardless, I really have to thank you for that potion you kindly gave me. I feel stronger than I have in days." Momonga shook my hand with his large, gloved one.

"You're welcome, Seth. Though, I must be honest that my intentions for giving you the potion weren't entirely altruistic on my part. There was a bit of personal selfishness involved," Momonga admitted, making me cock my head at the statement.

"Selfish or not, it was still appreciated. But would you be willing to tell me why you even wanted to help me in the first place?" I felt it was better to find out why this powerful man, at least from the way that Enri and Nemu acted around him, was here in the first place.

Momonga was quiet for a bit before he finally answered, "Yesterday, Lupusregina said that you had told her something of interest. Specifically, the name of a song."

So, that's why he was so interested. But why would that be?

"Does this song mean something to you?" I questioned, hoping that it might mean he had answers for me about my missing past.

"The song by itself? No. What interests me is your knowledge of it even existing is what really caught my attention," Momonga answered before sitting forwards in his seat towards me. "Seth, would you be able to tell me about anything that you can remember?"

I thought about how to exactly phrase the jumble of pieces of my memories in a coherent manner. Then, I finally answered, "Sometimes there are flashes that come to me, a lot of them involve a little girl that I believe is my daughter. Then, there was the dream I had last night of this place with massive buildings that reached up to a dark sky. I had been walking down a street as a polluted snow began to fall from the sky."

Despite the circumstances, I found myself smiling as I recalled Inari's voice, even if I couldn't remember her face. "Before I could travel far, I heard a noise coming from an alleyway of a woman who was in trouble. I had to help, so I pulled out a weapon… a gun. I saved her… Her name was Inari. Then I gave her shelter from the coming snowstorm. I don't know if that was actually a memory or a dream, but I'm happy to know that I might have helped someone who needed it. After all, helping another in trouble is just common sense."

Oddly enough, when I looked at Momonga, he appeared to be outline in a green aura as he quietly muttered, "…Touch Me?"

"What was that?" I asked, unsure of what the large man was asking.

"It's nothing, Seth. Just me thinking about an old friend is all," Momonga waved off casually, even if it felt like anything but. "Aside from those memories, is there anything else you can recall?"

I shook my head, "I'm sorry, Momonga, but that's all that is coming to me at the moment. Is there something specific that you're looking for? Do you possibly have an idea on who I might be?"

Momonga pondered the thought behind his mask, and that made it exceedingly difficult to guess just what he might be thinking. "Hmm… It's too early to confirm your identity, but I can confirm that you came from the same lands that I did."

Hearing the man say that actually excited me. "You know where I came from?!"

[Ainz Ooal Gown]

I found myself chuckling at the intense curiosity that this man displayed. Though, it wasn't unexpected since he's searching for answers, the same as I am.

There were so many similarities, personality-wise that is, along with extremely similar voices. Though, the fact that he wasn't asian did throw me off. Yet, I also never knew much about my friends outside of YGGDRASIL.

Touch Me had always been especially close-guarded about his life, though things did slip in, here and there. I know that he was married, and that he has a daughter. I even know that he has a government job, but I never learned his name or saw his face.

Perhaps he was a foreigner who moved to Japan years ago? Maybe it was something else?

And perhaps all of this was just me assuming things from coincidences, putting an identity upon this man from Earth in the desperate hope that I had actually found one of my old friends? It was a vexing conundrum, but what I knew for certain is that Seth is definitely a human from Earth. Preemptively casting enough spells to detect the man's strength and mana told me so.

But if this man wasn't my friend, then why was a normal human from Earth here, and an amnesiac at that?

"Well, I might not know specifically where it was that you called home, but the general location was called Earth." When I said this, I watch a multitude of emotions flit across his face, possibly in reaction to remembering something.

"Why do I have the strangest feeling that it was a shithole?" Seth saying this got me to bark out a laugh through my normal curse.

Seth was completely accurate with that deduction. I just didn't expect him to be so blunt about it, but then again…

He could also be that way at times.

"That's an exceedingly accurate description, Seth. Earth wasn't a kind place, and it took much for one to survive," I confirmed for the man, receiving a slight frown from him.

"I… I see. Is that why everyone was wearing a mask?" He questioned, which I nodded in return to. Another reason crossed off the list on Seth having originated from Earth…

"The air was quite toxic, requiring breathing devices in order to survive outside shelter for any extended length of time," I answered as I thought about said masks.

I almost felt blessed that I didn't need to listen to that constant hiss of a breathing device whenever I went outside. Nor did I have to taste that stale, recycled air which stuck to one's tastebuds long after the mask was removed.

Actually, it reminded me of a funny conspiracy theory I heard about years ago. It guessed that the corporations intentionally poisoned the outside air with pollution and toxins so that all of us normal people would be forced to pay for the privilege to breathe. I highly doubted its veracity, but it was a funny idea to think about.

It gave us wage-slaves someone to blame for all of our troubles that we went through every day. After all, intentional evil sounded so much better than our toxic world being the unintentional side-effect of corporate greed.

Seth chuckled for a moment, "Looks like I should be thankful that I didn't require any breathing mask when I was found outside of Carne. I'd probably be dead, otherwise."

"Yes, that is definitely something to be thankful for. But, Seth," I said, getting the man's gaze, "try to avoid mentioning much about what you recall seeing of Earth from your memories to others."

"Why is that?" Seth asked curiously.

"Even though it was a shithole, our homeland was more advanced than anything these lands can comprehend. People might assume you to be insane or worse, especially with your current circumstance of being an amnesiac. Try to be careful on what you reveal as information has its own form of power," I cautioned, earning an understanding nod from Seth.

He seemed like a kind man, kind, but too trusting. In these lands, it was unwise for anyone who was as weak as Seth is to be so open about themselves.

"I guess I could try, Momonga. Thanks for the advice," Seth said with an appreciative nod.

"You're welcome," I responded as I considered that this might be the most I learn of Seth for now. It would likely be a while before he recovers a greater portion of his memories, enough so to explain the reason for his appearance in this New World.

Yes, perhaps this is enough for now. My curiosity is temporarily satisfied, but I would keep an eye on him for the future, especially with all the signs I keep seeing from him.

Standing up from the chair, I looked down at the man and gave him a nod of my head. "I believe that, for now, we've conversed enough. It's best to leave you to your continued rest," I told Seth.

"Oh, well I guess I shouldn't keep you trapped here with a bedridden amnesiac. You've likely got a lot of important things to do…" Seth trailed off for a moment before he gave me a hopeful look, "But would you be willing to come back again, if you have the time, to tell me more of our homeland?"

"Yes," I nodded, "I'll come by again to talk more with you. It feels pleasant to be able to speak with another of Earth, even if you lack most of the memories of it. Take care, Seth." With that, I left the bedroom with a multitude of thoughts in mind.

One prevalent thought is that I could consider this to be a new personal project to entertain myself with. And perhaps, it might end with the rewarding outcome that I had found one of my friends? At least it helped to take my mind off of the problems that currently plagued me.

Yet, with the conclusion of our discussion, I came to the decision that it was best to keep him out of Nazarick for now. I still can't fully verify if he is simply a trap to catch Nazarick by surprise or not. At the same time, due to his amnesia, alongside his origin from Earth, it likely wouldn't be emotionally healthy to overwhelm Seth with the denizens of Nazarick until he was more mentally stable.

The best course of action would be to slowly introduce him to the Tomb's different residents, likely the most human-looking to start with, before moving to the monstrous. This slow introduction would adapt Seth for when he spent more time at Nazarick.

To be fully honest, as Seth currently is, he has no real use to Nazarick. And yet, regardless of if he was Touch Me or not, I planned to take care of him all the same.

Call it a sense of nostalgia, but aside from Kashia, Seth was the only other person that I knew came from Earth. In a sense, it made the man one of my few peers in this world. And since my relationship with Kashia was currently in an extremely unstable state, it would possibly be the only one I had for the foreseeable future.

I didn't plan to lose it.

"Lupusregina Beta," I commanded to the maid at Carne's walled entrance. She quickly stiffened up and waited for my next orders.

"Yes, my Lord?" Lupusregina asked.

"From now, and until further notice, you will care for, and keep safe, Seth as if he was me. If he remembers anything of interest, you will report it to me. If he goes anywhere, you will follow and protect him. If he leaves the village, you will send me a [Message] informing me of it and then you will go with him. Do you understand?"

Lupusregina's face took on a serious expression as she looked up to me, then she nodded. "My Lord, why all of this protection for a single human? And, what about your command to watch over Carne Village?"

It was understandable that she would be confused about my urgent demands concerning Seth. After all, Lupusregina lacked a lot of the context for it. But perhaps I should give her a reasoning for this, both to clear any confusion and to reinforce the importance of her assignment.

"What I tell you next, you will not repeat to anyone else but me. No one in Nazarick except for you and myself will be privy to this information," I began, noticing the intrigued, but worried, look in her eyes that told me Lupusregina was fully paying attention.

I continued with my explanation from there, "Seth comes from where I and the other Supreme Beings hailed from originally. But more than that, while heavily unconfirmed, I have considered the theory that he could be one of my comrades reincarnated. Likely Touch Me…"

Shock overcame Lupusregina's face, "Lord Touch Me may have returned?"

"I can't be fully certain, but it is a possibility. Yet, regardless of whether he is or isn't Touch Me, you will protect him with your life. No one else is to know about this as I don't wish to give the denizens of Nazarick false hope."

"Your command will be followed, my Lord. I'll ensure his safety," Lupusregina swore with utter determination.

"Now, as for Carne Village, I will likely have one of your sisters take over that duty so that you can fully devote your time to my current order," I explained, making the red-haired werewolf perk up in interest.

"Who will you be sending?"

"I have yet to make up my mind on that decision, but I'll come to an answer soon enough and inform you ahead of time." With that, I began walking away from Lupusregina.

['Princess' Renner]

Day 68:

It had been another day of reading reports and allowing more pieces of my plans to fall into place. I hadn't expected much in the way of surprises due to how well I had been able to predict any hindrances that could've appeared.

So, it had been mildly interesting and concerning when one of the servants arrived at my study with the message that Father wished to see me in his quite urgently.

That was what led to Tsunami, my Climb, and I walking through the castle halls towards where Father was waiting. All the while, I was considering what it was that Father wished to see me for.

One reason could be that he wished to talk about his health. These past few weeks had been difficult on the man. He constantly looked tired, and from what I had been told by both Tsunami and Alfred, Father hadn't slept much. In addition to this, the constant debates against the other nobles on what actions he should be taking for current events were weighing heavily upon him.

Father might also wish to see me due to a psychological concern for his children. After all, Barbro had been turned into a pig with his pregnant wife suffering a terrible miscarriage soon after, his cousin was a confirmed traitor, and a good many of his friends and allies were not nearly as loyal as he had once believed.

There was also the other possibility that my plan had triggered much earlier than I had anticipated. That would certainly make me happy.

"Ren, what is it that you think your father wishes to speak to you about?" My Climb asked me silently.

"I don't know. Hopefully, it isn't something that's too bad. Father has been handling so many important events, and I worry for him," I replied with an innocently optimistic tone.

That couldn't be construed as a complete lie. I worried for Father, but only in so far as he could be useful to me. My Climb simply believed that I cared about the man due to him being my precious father.

What an amusing farce it was.

My Climb subtly grabbed my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze alongside a smile. "I doubt that you have anything to worry about. He probably just wanted to see you since both you and him have been busy with your duties."

"You're probably right," I lied with a convinced expression. It would never be something that simple which required meeting Father in his study for. The walls of the room had been built with copper layered into it to mitigate any spells used to spy on the study.

It wasn't much longer before we stood before the guarded doors of Father's study, where one of the soldiers gave me a bow of greeting.

"Morning, your Highness," the soldier said. "His Majesty only wishes to see you. Your entourage will have to wait out here."

"Of course," I said in agreement as I gave nod to my Climb and Tsunami. Then, the guard opened a door for me and let me inside before closing it behind.

Looking about the room, it was filled with relics of our family. A good many of them, such as the weapons, some statues, an entire shelf of books, and a few paintings were all in good condition. That was countered by the relics which had been broken or burned in the castle fire many years ago.

Their ruined condition was a testament to what could happen if one didn't keep their family history safe. Though I couldn't help but suspect that the fire hadn't fully been an accident, and instead had been a means to sneak some valuable items from the castle.

I had gone through a catalogue of the items that should've been in our possession from partially surviving the flames or had been undamaged. Oddly, they had gone missing. It was one of the few things that caused me to suspect foul play.

Yet, pulling my eyes away from these historic items, I focused on the center of the room where I saw Father standing up from a chair that he had been sitting in. He then approached me with a smile.

"Hello, Father! You wanted to speak with me?" I asked with a happy tone.

Father nodded. "Yes, Renner, there's quite a bit that needs to be said," the elderly king replied as he pulled me into an embrace that I returned. "But I will admit, it's been a while since the two of us have just talked alone together, as father and daughter, without anyone else bothering us. I'm sorry that my duties as king have prevented us from spending time with one another."

I let out a playful giggle to Father as we slightly separated from our embrace, "I understand, Father. Your duty to ensuring the continued prosperity and safety of our people comes before all else. I'm just happy that we have the chance to be able to spend time together right now."

Father stroked my hair for a moment and said, "I only wish that we could talk of simple matter today. Do you know why I called for you today?"

Based on his facial expressions, alongside the way he was acting with me with his paternal body language, it gave me the feeling that he was trying to protect me from something. Yet, the slight resignation in his eyes told me that – in his mind, at least – this was something that Father was forcing himself to accept.

Additionally, if this was some form of hostile action against me, such as arresting me – which was absolutely impossible due to an uncountable list of reasons – there would've been an alteration of the guard shifts and locations, none of which I saw on my way here. So, Father, what could it possibly be that has you so vexed?

The mystery to it was quite entertaining to pick apart.

"No, Father. What is it that you wish to talk about? Is something troubling you?" I asked like the kind and doting daughter I was playing.

"Renner, I wish to talk about the future of this kingdom," Father said, his eyes gazing up at a map of the kingdom hanging about the mantel of the fireplace.

That was when Father turned to look at me with a gaze full of warmth and nostalgia. I could already guess what it was that he was thinking about, but I allowed my expression to continue remaining oblivious.

"You remind me more and more of your mother with each passing day. She was always so caring of others," Father said before he chuckled to himself and smiled at me. "And between you and me, I think she was probably smarter."

Mother… I already knew for many years at this point that my heavy similarity to her is the reason that Father has treated me as his favorite child. And as for intelligence, I had to have inherited that trait from somewhere, and it definitely hadn't come from Father.

Putting on a bashful expression, I demurely asked, "You really think that, Father?"

Father nodded and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Absolutely, Renner. And it has truly been a blessing to see you grow up into the young woman you are today." But after he had said this, a weariness appeared in his eyes as he looked away from me.

"Father, you seem tired. Have you been getting enough sleep?" I asked, receiving a shake of his head in reply.

"At this stage of my life, all the sleep in the world couldn't alleviate the burdens on my mind… Renner, how good of a king was I?" Father then looked at me with a heavy gaze, "Please, be fully honest. I've heard more than enough platitudes and empty words in the past month to make me believe that the Re-Estize could conquer all of the Baharuth in a year."

Odd to see him act like this, but it wasn't something to be worried about just yet. "If you truly wish to hear my opinion, then will you answer a single question of mine before I do?"

"Of course, Renner. What do you wish to know?"

"Why are you so concerned right now about whether you have been a good king or not?" I asked him gently. Obviously, the answer is because of the political pressure he is receiving now that he has never felt before. On top of that, there's also all of the decisions he's made or delayed over the years that have finally culminated in the mess that he faced today.

I had a feeling as to where all of this might be going, but I continued maintaining my normal façade.

Father sighed for a moment before answering, "Over the last few weeks, I have been haunted by my numerous failings over the years. I failed my kingdom by allowing Eight Fingers to grow as it did, not noticing all the signs that someone of high status was obviously running it nor did I investigate it as seriously as I should have. I failed our people by being too lenient with my vassals, allowing them to shirk their responsibilities of sending their troops. Perhaps if I had gotten them to send the mass of their troops to the first war against the Baharuth, it might have been more than enough to scare off their aspirations to conquer our kingdom."

A dry chuckle escaped his lips as he gazed into the fireplace's small fire. The flames reflecting from his eyes gave them more life than I had seen in years. "But I went easy on my vassals, hoping to gain their loyalty through generosity and avoid any civil wars with those that disagreed. Instead, that kindness became the noose that I have slowly tightened around my own neck. Now, my vassals have too much power, and if I tried to enforce any demands upon them, then a civil war would leave us open for the Baharuth to invade, and they know this."

Looking back to me, Father's expression became haggard as his advanced age truly showed itself in his features, the light of the flames highlighting the shadows of his wrinkled features. "And then, I failed my family. I allowed my selfishness to avoid disappointing my sons get in the way of my duty to the kingdom. Instead of trying to spare either of my sons grief, I bolstered a rivalry that grew out of hand and led to one of my sons betraying the kingdom and being turned into a pig for it, on top of fracturing any fragile unity my vassals had as they picked sides for the next king."

Surprisingly, Father then pulled me into a hug which I quickly returned, "I should've paid more attention to all of you. Gotten to know my children more than I do now. Perhaps it could've averted so many issues we suffer now? I'm sorry, Renner," Father apologized, which I found more amusing than anything else.

"There's nothing you need to ask forgiveness from me for, Father. I know you've tried your best, despite all of the obstacles you've needed to overcome, and I love you regardless," I said sweetly, making me mentally roll my eyes.

I was being completely truthful about Father not needing to ask me for forgiveness. One only needed to apologize if they did something upsetting to another. I was too apathetic to the man I called Father to be bothered about his lack of attention. Perhaps, if I was still a little girl who hadn't grown wise to the world, I may have actually cared.

As it was, I only cared about the attention I received from my Climb and Kashia, but he didn't need to know that. I just had to act like the loving and dutiful daughter to him for a bit longer.

"Thank you, Renner," Father said with a sniff before we separated and he wiped his eyes. "Now, please, tell me the complete truth, since I've come to see that you are so much smarter than I ever gave you credit for."

I'm surprised that he actually noticed, though I was being more overt in my actions these days compared to the subtle hand I used for years prior. That, and I would guess Zanac has been putting the thought into Father's mind as well. It was also amazing to see that he was actually crying. This meant that he's in an extremely vulnerable state which I could capitalize upon depending on how this conversation went.

But Father wishes for the harsh truth, and expects for me to know it, so I'll let him know while also softening the blows slightly.

"Father, were it a hundred years ago, you'd likely be considered an amazing king that was kind and just to both his people and vassals. But in this age, you are the wrong type of ruler that the Re-Estize needs. Kindness only goes so far before others take it for weakness and begin exploiting you. Because of this, your vassals have been given too much power and barely obey their liege when commanded," I said, taking his hand and gently patting it to reassure the man as I continued.

"Your indecisiveness has caused so many issues in a time when we need a ruler who can make hard choices quickly. Despite all of this, you've tried your best to keep the kingdom together. I'm sorry if what I say upsets you, Father," I finished as Father's lips quirked into a sad smile.

"Thank you for being honest with me, Renner. Your criticisms are harsh, but I completely agree with all of them. The legacy I've left behind has been marginal at best, with the greatest things coming from my rule being few and far between. The nobles see me as someone to manipulate, and the commoners just view me as a man with a crown. Nothing more, and nothing less," Father said with a hint of bitterness in his tone. "I feel old now. I feel tired."

I furrowed my brow while also adding a modicum of concern to my expression. "F-Father, why are you telling me this? Is something wrong? Should we call in your physician or a priest?" I asked with expected worry. Seems that he is planning to announce his retirement soon.

Shaking his head, Father cupped my cheek with his hand. "Nothing's wrong, Renner. I'm just fully cognizant of my mortality at this point. It's what led me to my current decision… I'm going to abdicate."

In response, I allowed myself to appear shocked at this 'unexpected' decision. "A-Are you certain of this, Father? Have you let Zanac know? And… why inform me of this?"

"For once, my dear Renner, I'm fully convinced of my choice, and I utterly believe that it is for the best of the kingdom. I told Zanac of my decision last night," Father said with a smile.

Oh, so he told Zanac already? Guess my elder brother hasn't had the chance to tell me about this change of plans just yet. Though, that was doubtful to me. The both of us were working together on this, and such important news isn't something he would just put off for the morning.

"As for why I'm telling you this, Zanac and I had a long talk. For many weeks now, you have been diligently at work fixing the Re-Estize's underlying problems. You have systematically eliminated the multitude of different Eight Fingers operations throughout the kingdom faster than I, and the other nobles, have done. Then, you stopped the food crisis that would've plagued our country within a matter of weeks or months…"

"Why are you telling this to me, Father?" I asked as I internally smiled.

Brother of mine, it seems that I underestimated the speed at which you could convince Father.

I watched as my elderly father laughed, "After I told Zanac that I planned to abdicate, he responded that he was abdicating the crown to you."

"Y-You want me to rule, Father?"

He nodded. "Renner, your brother made many good points about why you would be the better fit for the throne than he. And hearing that reasoning made me look more closely at your past achievements. And then, there's news of what I hear from the streets of the capital, of the commoners' calls for you to be crowned," Father said as a serious look appeared in his eyes.

"Both Zanac and I came to the conclusion that there could be potential riots if he was crowned instead of you," Father stated as I mentally laughed at his correct prediction. I had ensured that the commoners love me enough to make the idea of anyone else but me leading them to be unpalatable. "Renner, you have managed to buy their loyalty with your altruistic works. They love you more than they love their own king."

"You understand that quite a few nobles won't like the idea of the youngest child inheriting the throne, or that I'm a girl compared to Zanac who is both older and a man," I said, completely unbothered by the fact. If they wished to try anything, they would very much regret the choice.

"I'm aware, but while unprecedented, it is still within my rights as the king to decide my heir. Zanac and I have been formulating a plan for potential backlash. Your older brother is already arranging his allies to support your claim, while I will begin mustering the Royalty Faction behind you," Father said as he put both of his hands on my shoulders. "I do my duty to ensure that this kingdom survives beyond my reign, and many more to come. If what I do appears unorthodox, but works, then I shall."

I mentally smirked as this mindset had Tsunami's hands all over it. She's been busy it seems…

Father then took off his crown and gave it a nostalgic look. "In a month, I plan to announce my abdication to the Re-Estize. Then, I'll finally be free from the heavy shackles of duty. I've been told by Zanac that you have a plan to save our kingdom, so I'll leave our lands and people in your capable hands… I apologize about placing this heavy burden upon your shoulders, Renner."

Gently reaching out, I took the crown from Father's hands and reached up to place it back upon his head, which he helped me by leaning down to make it easier. "If it means the prosperity of our people, then I will gladly take this burden off of your shoulders. So don't worry, our kingdom will be in good hands."

"Thank you," Father said gratefully.

As I exited Father's study to my Climb and a smirking Tsunami, I allowed a happy expression to appear on my face. This relieved my Climb as he and Tsunami approached me.

"Did everything go well, your Highness?" My Climb asked warmly.

"It certainly did, Climb. But here is not the best place to talk of such things," I replied as I pulled him and Tsunami with me through the castle and towards a very specific room I had in mind. I did have a promise I made to myself that I planned to keep, since I wasn't going to wait any longer.

After a few exciting minutes, we had finally arrived to the door of my bedroom that I opened and let my Climb in the room and turned to look at Tsunami. "Make sure that no one bothers Climb and I during our talk, Tsu" I said, receiving a knowing wink from the disguised kitsune.

With that, I entered the room and closed the door behind us, alerting my Climb to the action and causing him to turn around and look at me in surprise. "Ren? Why isn't Suzanne here with us?" He asked.

"She'll know after we have our talk, Climb. I have some important and amazing news for us," I replied while walking over to my knight with a smile.

"O-Oh? What happened during the talk with his Majesty to make you so happy?" My Climb questioned with a gaze of curiosity.

Taking my Climb's hands into mine, I gazed into his beautifully innocent and naïve eyes. "Climb, Father announced that he plans to abdicate from the throne." My knight's eyes widened in surprise before I continued, "And he plans to make me his heir as Big Brother Zanac has abdicated his claim of the throne to me instead."

That caused my Climb's jaw to drop in shock. "R-Ren, are you saying that–" I cut my knight's words off with a nod.

"In a month's time, I will be named queen of the Re-Estize Kingdom. Then, I'll be fully capable of helping our people as they deserve," I confirmed, watching as a myriad of emotions flittered across my Climb's face as he considered this.

Then, he finally smiled for me, yet I could see a sadness in his eyes. If I were to guess, he was currently considering the ramifications of our relationship and how it might negatively impact my reign. "What's wrong, Climb? I can tell that something troubles you," I said while caressing his face.

My Climb sighed, "If you are to become queen, then a relationship with a simple peasant like me will only cause you hardship. I don't want to cause you any trouble. I love you too much for that, Ren."

Such a loyal puppy to his mistress. That simply enhanced the excitement I was currently feeling. But I had to reassure him, not that it would be difficult.

"Climb, you will never cause me hardship. No matter what happens, there is only one man I plan to love with all of my heart. One man I will ever allow to be my king. And no matter what others might say, we are going to be together," I stated resolutely.

"I trust you, Ren, with all my heart. If what you want is to be with me, then I won't spurn your heart. But I still find myself worrying…" My Climb said with minor doubt still in his mind. Time to fix that.

Pulling my Climb into a deep kiss that he leaned into, I broke that kiss and said, "Let me remove any further doubts in your mind. I'll show you how much you mean to me, my love." Then, I took my knight by the hand over towards my bed…

[Demiurge]

"Master Demiurge, we have chosen a some suitable targets for capture," my servant, Evil Lord Envy, said as she bowed before me. It pleased me greatly to hear of the crow-like demoness' success in the task.

I had sent her, Evil Lord Pride, and Evil Lord Greed to find suitable candidates to acquire for questioning. There had been two requirements necessary for a target to be chosen.

The target would not be missed if gone for a few days and they needed to be weak enough to not put up a noticeable fight. Even if the target didn't have completely valuable information about what Lord Ainz wanted, they could likely give us information on whoever did. From there, we could capture the next kitsune necessary and interrogate them afterwards.

On that thought, I did wonder what form of screams a kitsune might make when in horrific agony? Furthermore, it would be highly beneficial to learn more about their species' biology. I believe that I will witness and aid Neuronist in interrogating our new prisoner for scientific study.

It would be the second research project that I would currently be undertaking. The first, consisting of the study of Kashia's blood, has been quite enlightening. Feeding it to a few of the human subjects I had caused those who had lacked any form of aptitude with magic to suddenly acquire it, whereas those already capable of magic had their abilities enhanced.

Following the simple test on some of the human subjects, I attempted the advance test of seeing what may happen were one to introduce the substance to a subject's blood that was infused with mana.

The results seemed to cause excruciating pain to the subjects before their bodies gave out.

For a few imps, undergoing the consumption process reported similar enhancing effects, yet they did suffer pain for an hour afterwards until it settled. I considered it odd, and decided to test out another experiment by exposing undead to the substance. They died upon being exposed to the blood, making me extrapolate that Kashia's blood has an underlying anti-undead property alongside a holy effect.

Combining these two aspects and it would be too much for most weaker undead to handle. As for demons, it would be immensely painful, but possible, for them to enhance themselves with the blood, making me wonder if there might be a way to alter the substance to be more palatable for undead and demons?

Perhaps infusing it with negative energy might be a good start?

"What can you tell me of the targets that have been chosen? Additionally, what do you mean when you mention 'targets'? Have you found more than one for us to acquire?" I asked, receiving a nod from Envy.

"Yes, my Master. There is a mated pair of kitsune, both with four tails, that have been found to continually leave the city of E-Rantel for a den in the nearby forest about two miles away. They typically spend two days at the burrow before heading back," Envy reported, making me smile.

If they followed the same seasonal patterns as normal foxes, these kitsune were likely setting up a den for their future young. Were that to be the case, torturing information out of the pair would be made all the simpler. After all, love could be such a useful weakness to have.

"Do you have proper preparations made for the capture? You must follow my assault strategy properly to prevent the beasts from knowing of the trap or escaping to tell their allies," I questioned, receiving another nod from the crow-like head of Envy.

"We have laid in motion all the plans that you have given us, Master Demiurge. All we need is your permission and we will begin the operation when the pair next head for their den," Envy confirmed as she looked up to me.

I couldn't resist hiding the smile on my face at the thought of Lord Ainz's Great Plan coming closer to fruition. "Proceed with the assignment and bring them here."

A giggle came from Envy, "With pleasure, Master Demiurge…"

[Count Philip]

Day 69:

It's been many days since I had hosted that feast, yet that inhuman gaze of the monstrous peasant still haunted me. He was obviously using some strange form of magic to control and use her in whatever despicable for that a monster like him could imagine.

Worse still, I feel that this monster has somehow used his power to affect the nobles at the feast and even my own staff! They all say that I was out of line, but I know what I saw, and it's astounding that they don't see it either.

I have to put a stop to him, but I'm uncertain as to how I might truly do so. As one of my class, I am above such lowborn things like knowing or hiring assassins to slay this beast. Yet, as I am now, I had been completely powerless to the monster, Lukrut, during our fierce battle.

And then, with how he escorted Princess Kashia away, likely to continue casting more of his terrible spells upon her, it has made me realize that I must do something about this, and soon. I believe it is time I learned to take up the sword, and from there, I would use that knowledge to put down the monster and free that helpless princess from his clutches.

Oh, I can already imagine the beautiful princess thanking me in any way she could imagine. And from there, a potential kingship would be in my future!

But all that would have to happen after I quickly learned some more swordsmanship and finally challenged the monster to a duel, calling him out from that human face he disguised himself with. I can already imagine the name I would receive in the future: King Philip the Monster Slayer.

I believe that I should get Hanzo's aid in this endeavor. He seems reasonably competent enough with fighting that I could likely attain enough strength to defeat a peasant monster like Lukrut.

It would only be a matter of time before my moment of triumph. Even better, were all of the city to see me defeat this monster, I've no doubt that even Mayor Panasolei might offer his title to me for protecting his city.

Soon, I would be able to show everyone exactly what this Lukrut truly was!