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1There were a total of four people within the room.
2There were two paladins, who had come straight in after the fighting and were thus covered in bloodstained armor -- Remedios Custodio and Gustav Montagnes. There was the person in charge of the surviving priests, a middle-aged man who could use third-tier spells -- Siliaco Naranho. And then there was Prince Caspond Bessarez.
3Two of them had come from the battlefield and one of them had been in charge of healing the wounded. As a result, Prince Caspond’s room was filled with the stench of blood.
4Remedios had not removed her helmet even now. That was not proper etiquette for visiting a prince’s chambers at all -- one could even call it disrespectful -- but Caspond did not seem bothered by it and he appeared very calm.
5At the same time, the air in the room was terrible, though not because of the preceding point. It was true that it reeked in here, but the reason was because the mood in the air was harsh. It was so weighty that it even seemed to dull the sunlight entering through the window..
6This was not how people who had beaten overwhelmingly unfavorable odds and emerged victorious ought to be.
7Caspond was the first person to speak in this weighty silence. Still, who else could speak first but him?
8“Tell me about our casualty situation.”
9“Of the 6’000 militiamen we brought onto the battlefield, 4’000 of them have been injured or killed.”
10“...If I may add to the Vice Captain-dono’s words, there are also a thousand people among the wounded who are being healed by the priests, but half of them perished because we could not reach them in time.”
11“...And then half the paladins survived, and eight priests died.”
12Caspond closed his eyes and shook his head as he heard Gustav’s words.
13“Against a demihuman army like that… while we can’t say losses like these are a good thing, should we be grateful that those were all we took? Or should we be sad for the sheer number of casualties--”
14“The latter.”
15Remedios’ still, small voice interrupted Caspond.
16“The latter.”
17“...Captain Custodio is right. We ought to be sad to have suffered such losses.”
18Gustav and Siliaco looked down as they heard Caspond’s words.
19They knew that against a 40’000-strong army of demihumans, it was a miracle that the woefully-outnumbered Holy Kingdom Liberation Army had so many survivors -- albeit a man-made one. However, they also understood that saying something like this would be disruptive and unproductive, so they had no choice but to do this instead.
20“Was it the Sorcerer King who defeated the demihuman forces in their formation?”
21“Yes. There were few eyewitness reports amidst the chaos of defending the city walls, so we’re unsure of the details, but there’s talk of mysterious undead beings destroying the army.”
22“I see. That matches up with what I heard from the Sorcerer KIng. So he used the undead he created to clean them up -- wiped out a massive army like that, hm? In that case… we can conclude that the Sorcerer King can defeat Jaldabaoth, am I right?”
23Caspond shifted his gaze to Remedios, but she simply pursed her lips and remained silent. The highly volatile air around the Holy KIngdom’s strongest paladin made her a figure of dread to the weak. Caspond turned away from her and toward Gustav, who immediately returned his gaze with a deeply apologetic look in his eyes and bowed his head.
24“Hahh… is it really alright to bet the entire KIngdom on him? Or rather -- should we think of what to do if the Sorcerer King loses to Jaldabaoth? Does anyone have any ideas for the next best thing we can do if that comes to pass?”
25He was answered by silence. Amidst all this, Remedios spoke up.
26“In that case, how about calling Momon over?”
27The three people other than Remedios looked at each other with severe expressions on their faces.
28Remedios -- who felt it was a good idea -- frowned.
29“What? Do you have any better ideas? It’s more proper than that damn undead creature, no?”
30“...Captain. We are now discussing what to do if the Sorcerer King dies. In such a situation, expecting to go to the Sorcerer Kingdom to get more help would be very risky.”
31“Not necessarily,” Siliaco said as he stroked his white moustache.
32“A moment please, Vice Captain-dono. The Captain-dono’s idea is risky, but not a bad move. How about lying about the Sorcerer King being captured by Jaldabaoth and getting Momon to come over?”
33“Priest-dono, that would be too dangerous. Even if Momon defeated Jaldabaoth, discovery of the lie could trigger a war. Even if all goes well, the Sorcerous Kingdom’s impression of our country will plunge to rock bottom. And if things go badly, Momon might very well become a second Jaldabaoth and lead the Sorcerous Kingdom’s undead army into our nation.”
34“Precisely, you two. And the worst thing is that the Sorcerous Kingdom will have a justified grievance against us.”
35Remedios tilted her head at Caspond’s explanation.
36“We’re not adjacent to the Sorcerous Kingdom, so that’s okay, right?”
37“...Captain Custodio, please stop thinking of dangerous things. I don’t want to adopt any policies that will endanger us… that said, I don’t have any good ideas. How about you two?”
38Siliaco and Gustav could not think of anything either.
39The room was plunged into a brief silence.
40Eventually, Caspond quietly spoke up.
41“...For the time being, let’s each go back and think about it on our own. There’ll be no problems if the Sorcerer King can defeat Jaldabaoth.” Caspond clapped his hands together. “Then let’s talk about something else. What about the rations that the demihumans brought? Can we eat them normally? And if we can consume them, how long can they last?”
42Normally, they would belong to the Sorcerer King since he had defeated the demihuman army, but he had already said that he would hand them over free of charge.
43Gustav answered. He was in charge of sundry tasks like that.
44“Sire. There seems to be a lot of hardened bread-like objects and vegetables that we should be able to eat. Thanks to the attack of the Sorcerer King’s undead creatures, they were captured intact, so they are in very good condition. In addition, there are also some food items which need to be further investigated, such as sour-smelling vegetables and so on.”
45Preserved food was very common in the Holy Kingdom. However, these were demihuman rations, so they might belong to a species which ate rotting food, which was why Gustav said they had to investigate further.
46“There is only one problem. That would be the meat.”
47“Which means?”
48Gustav’s face was dark as he looked at Caspond.
49“A portion of the meat looks like it came from humans. That conclusion came from looking at their shape and we’re not certain about it. Maybe we could tell if we ate it, but I’d rather not sample it, if you don’t mind.”
50“How much meat are we talking about here?”
51Siliaco had a disgusted look on his face. 
52“Many demihumans eat meat, so there was a lot of it. At a glance, it seems like half the rations they brought were meat.”
53“What!? Half of the rations for  an army of 40’000 troops is meat?”
54Hypothetically, if a demihuman ate a kilogram of meat a day, that would make 40 tons. If they had enough for two weeks, that would be 560 tons. In that case -- the Prince grabbed his face.
55“...How much of that is human meat?”
56“We don’t know. Checking each and every piece would take a lot of time, and if they aren’t in their original shapes…”
57“It would be a shame to toss out food when the future seems grim. I would like to separate the human meat from the other meat… Priest Naranho, can your spells do anything on that front?”
58“My apologies, Prince-denka. We cannot do something like that. I feel my colleagues among the paladins should be the same way.”
59Caspond saw Gustav nod and sighed deeply.
60“So magic can’t do everything huh? How about having the captive demihumans eat it to find out?”
61“We should let the dead rest in peace. If there’s human meat, we ought to return it to the earth.”
62“Exactly, Captain Custodio… what do you think, Vice-Captain Montagnes?”
63“Yes, I agree with the Captain. I feel that no amount of time will be enough to investigate each and every barrel of meat. We ought to use our time and effort on other areas.”
64“I see… very well, I understand. So with regards to the demihuman meat, we’ll dispose of everything that looks questionable. In that case how about the demihumans’ arms and armor?”
65The Sorcerer King had also handed them over for free, but he had also said that that he would be expecting something in gratitude, so they would have to hand over the appropriate items if the time came.
66If they could defeat Jaldabaoth or take back the Royal Capital, Caspond planned to announce to the people that he would be handing the nation’s riches over to the Sorcerous Kingdom.
67“Firstly, recovering the equipment from the demihumans and burying the corpses will need time, therefore we won’t even have time to check their quality… Priest-dono, if any undead spring up here, will they become the Sorcerer King’s minions?” 
68Undead spawned easily in places where many people died. A place where more than 10’000 demihumans had died fit perfectly.
69Upon being addressed, a profoundly worried look appeared on Siliaco’s face.
70“I do not know. I truly do not know. But anything could happen, so we ought to deal with the bodies and sanctify the land as soon as possible. I would like to rely on our strength alone for that, but we simply cannot manage that way, so I would like to get some help from the paladins.”
71“Ahh, leave it to us. We’re used to dealing with the undead, after all.”
72“I’d expect no less from Captain Remedios, it puts my heart at ease… If only the Holy Queen-sama or Kelart-sama were here…”
73Everyone fell silent as Siliaco’s words tapered off.
74After what seemed like a period of silent prayer, Caspond spoke.
75“Ah, something on that point, Vice-Captain Montagnes. The Sorcerer King seems to want to take the magic items back to his nation, so he picked them out first. Of course, he’ll return anything that belongs to the Holy Kingdom.”
76“Understood. Still, while I can tell when it comes to swords and armor, I’ll have difficulty with other items. If anyone here has knowledge of magical items, I would like them to step up and help.”
77“I could help when it comes to items passed down through the royal family. As for religious items, however--” Siliaco nodded as Caspond looked to him. “--In that case, we’ll go get helpers from among the civilians. Still, this was really unexpected. No, we should say it was more than we hoped for. We ought to thank the Sorcerer King’s power for surpassing our expectations.”
78Nobody present voiced any objections. Amidst the silence, Caspond spoke again, like he was their representative.
79“This city was saved from conquest thanks to the Sorcerer King’s power.”
80There was a very audible sound of teeth grinding, and Caspond looked worriedly at Gustav.
81“After this, I will need to thank him on behalf of the Holy Kingdom. When the time comes, I hope you will all be present… in any event, being able to draw on the Sorcerer King’s power and achieve victory is a joyous occasion.”
82“Don’t forget we did our best too.”
83Remedios’ words seemed to freeze the air in the room. No, it was two people who had frozen up; Gustav and Siliaco.
84Gustav’s mouth opened and closed like a koi. He looked like he had no idea how to apologize for his superior’s outburst.
85“...Indeed. Captain Remedios, it is a fact that we would not have won this battle without the fierce resistance that you and the people put up.”
86Caspond saw Remedios nod, and then he continued speaking,
87“However -- it is also a fact that without the Sorcerer King’s help, we would have lost, and it is just as true that he could have won by himself. Am I wrong?”
88Remedios savagely ripped off her helmet and flung it at the wall, making a loud bang.
89“Your Highness! Did something happen!?”
90The door to the room flew open, and the paladins on guard outside rushed in.
91“Nothing happened. Continue waiting outside.”
92The paladins’ eyes went back and forth between Remedios’ helmet and the look on her face, and they realized what had happened. After indicating that they understood, they quietly left the room.
93“Captain Custodio, please do not get worked up. I ask you to be calm.”
94“How can’t I be worked up!? All the people I’ve met on the way here have only been praising the Sorcerer King! It’s as though he won the whole thing by himself! Didn’t he only show up halfway? How many people died before he won!? That was a victory paid for by the lives of the people, the paladins, the priests, men, women, elderly and children!”
95Remedios glared at Caspond.
96“It’s not true that he won by himself!”
97“Captain!”
98Gustav could no longer hide his fear at the way Remedios was acting in front of the prince. Remedios had never been one for thinking, but at the very least she was smart enough to know who was her superior. However, things were different now -- she seemed like a pain-maddened beast.
99“That boner bastard was flying around in the sky when it was all over to show himself off! Is war a game to that bastard!?”
100“...Captain Custodio, it seems witnessing the deaths of so many of the smallfolk has upset you. Would you like to take a rest?”
101In response to Caspond’s mature answer, Gustav shot the man a grateful look.
102“Before that, there’s one thing I’ve been thinking of. I’m sure Jaldabaoth and the Sorcerer King are in league with each other.”
103The three people other than Remedios looked at each other.
104“Do you have a single fact to back that up, Captain-dono?”
105Siliaco looked coolly at Remedios. If one looked calmly at what she had done until now, she was clearly saying that because she hated the Sorcerer King and wanted to bring him down. Now was clearly not the time to let one’s personal preferences dictate one’s decisions.
106“Isn’t he the only one gaining from this? Both the demihumans and the people of the Holy Kingdom are dead. He -- the Sorcerous Kingdom is wearing away at our fighting strength in order to someday take control of the nation and the hills! That’s why he came here!”
107“...I see. That certainly makes sense from the perspective of profit. What do the two of you think?”
108Gustav furrowed his brows as he answered Caspond’s question.
109“The Sorcerer King came here because we asked him. Also, was it not the Captain’s suggestion to have the two of them fight?”
110“...Indeed it was. That masked bitch in Blue Rose is also one of them. If not for what she said, we would never have gone to the Sorcerous Kingdom. If not for that suggestion, we would have gone to the Empire or the Theocracy. And who knows, he might have come anyway even if we didn’t say anything.”
111Haaaaah, Caspond sighed deeply.
112“Captain Custodio, your logic has been nothing but self-serving from the start. You’re simply twisting the facts to match what you’re saying. I recall the Sorcerer King saying he wanted maid demons, am I wrong?”
113“...Please forgive me for saying these things which are unbecoming of a priest. I hear that those maid demons are quite powerful. In that case, I can understand why the Sorcerer King would like to obtain them. Demons do not need to eat or drink and they do not have a maximum lifespan. Being able to dominate such a powerful demon might be better than gaining an army.
114“In that case, it would mean the Sorcerer King is aiding our nation because he felt there was sufficient value in it. It is only common sense for a king who rules a nation.”
115“Still, nobody’s seen those maid demons before, right!?”
116As Remedios screamed like a reeeeeetard, Caspond looked at her like she was a pitiful, sad child.
117“Captain Custodio. I would like to speak reasonably with you, and not speak with emotion… but it seems you are tired. Go and rest. That is an order.”
118The red-faced Remedios still looked like she wanted to shriek something else, but Caspond was a step ahead of her and continued speaking.
119“Go comfort the wounded men. That’s part of your duties as a field commander, am I wrong?”
120“...I understand.”
121Remedios picked up her helmet and left the room.
122There was no way to describe how the air in the room relaxed after that. It felt like the sense of fatigue one would have after a storm had passed and all the pieces had been picked up, mixed with a sense of relief at the fact that they had managed to survive.
123However, one man had unfinished business.
124“Your Highness! I sincerely apologize for Captain Custodio’s actions!”
125Caspond smiled bitterly to Gustav as the latter bowed his head.
126“You had a hard time too. However, could you think about the future? I honestly have no idea what’s going to become of this country after this war is over. If only we could find my sister, the Holy Queen… what happened to the Holy Queen in the battle of Kalinsha? Did you hear anything from Captain Custodio?”
127Gustav was Remedios’ personal assistant. Therefore, he would have been present when Remedios told Caspond about it.
128The fact that he knew but was asking again proved one thing -- the prince suspected that Remedios might be lying to him.
129“...My Prince, I heard the same thing from Captain Custodio that she told Your Highness when we met for the first time.”
130She had been sent flying by a shockwave and when she came to, the Holy Queen and her sister -- Kelart Custodio -- were nowhere to be seen. Though the corpses of paladins and adventurers and priests were strewn all around, the bodies of those two were nowhere to be found.
131“Is that so? Maybe I was worrying too much… Captain Custodio does not seem like one of those people who say one thing and mean another. It would be better if they were captured by him. Instead. If they were killed… the matter of the succession would become very complicated.”
132Startled, Siliaco asked him a question.
133“Caspond-sama, are you tired of the position of Holy King?”
134“Are you flattering me? In truth that might be the case if my sister had perished of an accident under normal circumstances. However, things are different now. The north is tired and the south is ready to fight. In that case, it’s very likely that the south might support someone to be Holy King. Frankly speaking, it’s very likely that one of the great nobles from the South might end up as Holy King.”
135“What!?”
136Caspond smiled as he looked at SIliaco’s shocked face.
137“I don’t think that’s something that should be so shocking… in that case, with regard to what Vice-Captain Montagnes said earlier, if things go well, the first thing the Southern nobles will do is request that Captain Custodio take responsibility for the whole affair and be placed under house arrest.”
138“Why would they do that?”
139“Then I’ll ask you, Vice-Captain Montagnes -- why would they not do that? Is a paladin who failed to protect Her Majesty not the perfect outlet for their unhappiness? And that’s not the only reason either. She can beat an army single-handedly. In that case, surely defanging your enemy is a basic tactic in warfare, am I wrong?”
140“The enemy!? Who’s the enemy!?”
141“The southern nobles are the enemy. In other words, the Holy Queen’s faction. Remedios Custodio was a confidant of the Holy Queen. Surely the paladins she leads would also be seen as the enemy, am I wrong?”
142“In that case, what about the priests, that Kelart Custodio-sama led?”
143“While there are priests who climbed the ranks thanks to their connections with the Southern nobles… don’t you think that would be the case too? Priestly magic is indispensable in everyday life. While I feel that anyone knows how stupid it is to put someone incompetent in high office, people sometimes do things that can only be described as foolish by others.”
144“My Prince… what should we do?”
145“Vice-Captain Montagnes, what do you mean by that? Do you want to keep her from being placed under house arrest? Or do you want to keep the paladins from getting involved?”
146“I mean, what should we do for a better future for the Holy Kingdom.”
147“...We need to find my sister. Then, we need an achievement that all the people will accept as having saved the nation. For instance, by driving out the enemy without having to draw on the strength of the South.”
148“That’s impossible… we can’t possibly win without the Sorcerer King’s power.”
149Caspond looked at Gustav, who was confessing his hardships, and shrugged.
150“Still, that has to be done. Otherwise there won’t be any way to stop the pressure from the South after we win. Hm, yes, or we could damage the South as badly as the North. All that matters is that the balance of power is preserved in the end.” Caspond looked up at the ceiling. “If only we’d made a deal with the South sooner. She was too kind for her own good. And I understand how all this might have struck a nerve with Captain Custodio. After all, the only one who looked good in this battle was the Sorcerer King. If things go badly, the Sorcerer King might end up becoming the Holy King as well, am I wrong?
151The other two felt it was impossible, but neither of them could deny it.
152“In that case, we need to start thinking about our plans from now on. While I would like Captain Custodio to be here, will she disobey a direct order?”
153“...I feel it would be fine as long as it’s in keeping with this country’s justice.”
154“I see… I’ve been thinking about how to attack the prison camps. The reason for that is--”
155Caspond began to explain.
156Roughly 100’000 demihumans had attacked the nation.
157Since they had not heard of any movements from the demihumans squaring off against the forces of the Southern Holy Kingdom, they estimated that the 40’000 demihumans that had attacked them this time round were a large portion of the forces assigned to manage the prison camps in the North.
158“I agree with your opinion. By attacking the undermanned prison camps, we can both destroy them piecemeal and increase our own forces at the same time. I feel it will kill two birds with one stone.”
159“Captain Montagnes, I am glad to hear you approve. How about yourself, Priest Naranho?”
160Siliaco also agreed with Caspond’s suggestion.
161“The Sorcerer King is in this city. Since he can keep us safe, I would like the paladins to attack the prison camps… can you do that? Also, one more thing. I would like Captain Remedios to stay here while you are launching the attack. Make her think that she’s in charge of bodyguarding me.”
162“Thank you very much, My Prince!”
163“...I don’t think I’ve said anything you need to thank me for, Vice-Captain Montagnes,” Caspond said as the smile faded from his face. “...The absence of the country’s strongest paladin means that if there’s someone like the Grand King at the prison camp you’re attacking, you might all be wiped out, am I wrong?”
164“Can we decide which camp to attack?”
165“But of course. I’ll leave it to you. There’s no need to force yourself to attack a large camp that’s more dangerous.”
166“Understood. In that case, I feel only we should go.”
167“Captain Montagnes, may several of our battle-capable priests go with you?”
168“Certainly. Then we’ll set out in a couple of days’ time.”
169
170***
171
172Ainz used [Greater Teleportation] to reach his destination, which was the log cabin on the surface of Nazarick. While he did not know how long they had been waiting for him, Albedo, Demiurge and Lupusregina were all standing there already.
173Albedo and Demiurge had been summoned by Ainz, while Lupusregina ought to have been on duty in the cabin.
174Since Lupusregina was in charge of all matters concerning Carne Village, she should have been excused from the log cabin’s duty roster, but that was not set in stone.
175Perhaps someone else might have been on duty, but they had not been able to make it, so Lupusregina had rushed over instead. If that were the case, it would be great. After all, that would imply that even if there was a lack of manpower after completing a mission, there was a system to immediately swap someone else in to make up the shortfall.
176Still, wait.
177While the Pleiades each had completely different job abilities, their maid skills were all equal. It only made sense that they could substitute for each other in a professional capacity.
178However, in contrast to that, there were also personnel who were hard to use. Starting with the Floor Guardians and the Guardian Overseer, there were some NPCs with highly specialized abilities who might need someone to take over them for one reason or another. In addition, Ainz had also been working hard towards establishing a vacation system.
179After all, letting Pandora’s Actor substitute for all of them is also dangerous.
180To take an extreme case, what if Ainz himself was not around? For instance, if he were imprisoned, or if he were charmed, or something else. While he did not think that everything would break down without him to make decisions, he had the feeling that Albedo and Demiurge would say, “Ainz-sama would never let that happen to himself” in the same voice and thus not think about such possibilities.
181I need to seriously assess the need for this, and quickly.
182In a grave tone, Ainz bade the three people bowing to him to raise their heads.
183“It has been a while, Demiurge.”
184“Yes!”
185In truth, Ainz had headaches about the Holy Kingdom’s affairs every day, and he also thought about Demiurge every day, so he did not actually feel that way. However, it had been quite a while since the last time they had met in person.
186“Now then, you probably have questions about why I did that. While I would like to answer you, doing so in this place is not quite appropriate. Let us move somewhere else.”
187Ainz went into the log cabin first.
188He could have taken a shortcut here because there was a Gate Mirror set up, but he did not use it today.
189There was a table in the center of the room, and there were two chairs facing each other on either side of it. Ainz took the seat of honor without hesitation, as if he were used to it. He had already experienced his share of troublesome things that had happened because he had not taken that place. While he had once had to ponder which seat it was before sitting down on it, he had now reached the point where he would unconsciously take his place.
190As he approached the chair, Lupusregina immediately pulled it out for him.
191In truth, he was of the opinion that he ought to pull his chair out himself. However, his observations of Jircniv had made him understand that it was very important for a ruler to let his subordinates work. Still, letting them handle even trivial tasks like this gave Ainz the commoner a bit of difficulty.
192After settling down into his chair Albedo and Demiurge did not sit down, but instead knelt on the floor. Behind them, Lupusregina went to her knees as well.
193“--I permit the two of you to take a seat.”
194The two Guardians politely refused in unison. Ainz once again granted his permission to the two Guardians, whereupon they finally sat opposite Ainz after gushing their superlative gratitude to him. Lupusregina, on the other hand, stood stock still behind the two of them.
195This takes so long and it’s a waste of time. Couldn’t it be simpler like back then… ugh.
196“Then let us continue our previous topic. While I said there was nobody who needed to be saved, I rescued the people of the Holy Kingdom nonetheless. I am sure you have your questions about that, do you not?”
197“No, not at all.”
198--Er? W-why?
199Demiurge shook his head gently, as though he could not resist the urge to sigh in admiration.
200“Everything you do is correct, Ainz-sama. I feel that the reason why you acted was because you saw a value in it that I could not imagine.”
201“That is correct. If you feel it needs to be done, then it must be correct, Ainz-sama.”
202--Eh?
203Albedo’s words froze Ainz’s expression on his face. But of course, Ainz had no expression to speak of. 
204The way the two Guardians -- who were also the most knowledgeable Guardians in Nazarick -- nodded in unison before him filled him with various flavors of terror and anxiety.
205“Wait, wait. Indeed… yes, it is true.” Ainz began to panic. The conversation had travelled a path that was slightly different from what he had foreseen, and so he had become confused and could not clearly think of what he wanted to say. However-- “--Indeed, under normal circumstances I would have acted as you had imagined.”
206Huh? Ainz was slightly baffled by how the topic was beginning to stray. Off course. He had been struggling to piece some words together and throw them out offhandedly, but even so, the two of them were nodding vigorously, and Ainz found that a little odd. However, he continued praying for a last minute miracle as he carried on.
207“But, er, but. This time was slightly different. I did not do this because I was planning something.” Having found a way to amend his words, Ainz delightedly continued, “This time round, I was deliberately introducing a flaw into the plan.”
208“What would be the reason for that, Ainz-sama?”
209Ainz slowly leaned on the back of the chair with a “Hm”. Then he adopted a long-drilled posture that was befitting of a ruler, which a master ought to have, and then spoke.
210“Demiurge. Albedo. The two of you have always been more intelligent than me.”
211“That--”
212Ainz held up his hand to stop the two of them from speaking.
213“I am just saying that I have always felt this way. In that case, what would happen if something unexpected occurred during parts of the event described in your plan? If everything proceeded as you outlined, then everything would have been perfect and ended in excellent form.”
214That said, your plan was really over the top, Ainz grumbled in his heart. You threw all the details at me in your playbook and I had the feeling I would mess up somewhere.
215“Therefore, a question suddenly came to mind, Demiurge. A perfect tactical mind cannot only function when everything is going on course; it must also be usable when the situation changes dramatically or when it diverges from your expectations. That is to say, I wanted to know if your adaptability was also as laudable.”
216“I see, so that’s it!”
217Eh--!? He already got it!? And he sounds like he understands it all too!
218Ainz resisted the urge to make a jab about Demiurge’s preternatural processing speed, something along the lines of “You’re already so smart, why do you think I’m smarter? Is this some new way of bullying me!?”
219“As expected of, ah… you’re as impressive as I expected, Demiurge.”
220“Thank you very much, Ainz-sama.”
221“Still, I, ah, apologize, though it feels like I was testing you…”
222“Certainly not, Ainz-sama. To me, the fact that you would wish to assess my abilities is an honor that knows no equal. I will assuredly return results that match your expectations, Ainz-sama!”
223“Umu. I’ll leave that to you, Demiurge. In that case, during the course of our activities in the Holy Kingdom, I will cause problems as needed and you will amend the plan in response. Will that be alright?”
224“Yes! I understand!”
225All right--! Ainz rejoiced within his heart. He was so happy that the emotion was suppressed.
226Even so, excitement still remained inside him.
227Very good, very good. This way, even if I screw up, I can say that I was doing it on purpose! No, of course, I need to be careful not to screw up under normal circumstances. If I’d known, I should have said this from the start.
228While he did not have the bad habit of gloating when a subordinate’s plan went awry, it was possible that he might accidentally do something to make them worry. In this way, they would not have to guess if he had some intention in mind, but instead move on to revising the plan as needed. Ainz felt the sense of bliss which came with taking a heavy weight off his shoulders.
229“...Your servant understands your concerns, Ainz-sama. So does that mean that you will be simultaneously assessing the abilities of each Floor and Area Guardian as well?”
230As he heard Albedo’s question, Ainz was briefly puzzled for a moment and thought, what’s she saying? However--
231“There’s no need to be so hasty. I am doing so for Demiurge because he must work outside Nazarick for extended periods. As for the others, I will test them when it becomes necessary.”
232“I see…”
233“Umu. Now, for the next topic… the initial plan was to take those people of the Holy King who were enthralled with me and proceed to the eastern part of the Holy Kingdom, to the Abelion Hills where the demihumans lived. However, I am going to amend this part of the plan. I will go there first. From there, spread the news of my death.”
234It felt like time had stopped for a moment. And then--
235“--Eh? What are you saying, Ainz-sama!? How could we announce the death of the Supreme One, Ainz-sama!?”
236That protest came from Albedo. This might have been the first time he had seen Albedo’s expression crumble down like this. At least, the look on her face made him feel that way. But before Ainz could explain his true intentions to Albedo, it was Demiurge’s turn to speak up.
237“Albedo. Since Ainz-sama has stated this, he must have some aim in mind that we cannot hope to imagine. Do you not think rejecting it on an emotional basis is inappropriate?”
238“Demiurge. I question where your calm comes from. Would you react in this way if Ulbert Alain Odle …-sama were to say the same thing? Or…?”
239“Fufu… Albedo. Could you tell me what you mean by that? Or do you mean that you have something to say to me afterwards?”
240The two Guardians directed freezing-cold glares and blazing-hot stares by turn, and a strange atmosphere began to brew between the two of them. This choking sensation was just like what he had felt when he was fighting Shalltear. Perhaps it was fear or tension, but even Lupusregina was starting to pant heavily. 
241
242
243
244“--Enough!”
245The dangerous mood in the air instantly vanished as Ainz shouted. The sudden change made Ainz wonder if everything just now had been a delusion. However, Lupusregina’s labored breathing proved that it had not been a vision.
246“Calm down, both of you. This is the reason why I must fake my death. There is an activity called a disaster drill. We must mentally prepare ourselves and plan ahead of time in case of an emergency. In that case, what would you do if I died? I’ll start with you, Albedo. Tell me what you have in mind.”
247“Yes! I would immediately subject the person who dared disrespect you to all the suffering in this world, and then prepare to resurrect you, Ainz-sama!”
248“I see. Your turn, Demiurge.”
249“Yes! While preparing for your resurrection, I would strengthen Nazarick’s defenses and then obtain information on the person who offended you.”
250Albedo glared at Demiurge out of the corner of her eye.
251“Merely gathering information is too lax. Regardless of who dares offend the Supreme One, they must be captured with all the strength Nazarick can bring to bear and then tormented to the point where their ego breaks down.”
252“Albedo, I feel what you say is very sensible. However, the enemy is someone who can kill Ainz-sama. Thus, we cannot be careless. Learning the enemy’s movements and strengths is vital. If the enemy is stronger than we can imagine, then the place in which we resurrect Ainz-sama will become very important.”
253Before Albedo’s expression could turn even more grim, Ainz rapped his staff on the floorboards. The hard impact was like splashing a bucket of ice water on the two of them, and their faces immediately regained their calm.
254“I did not say I was killed by someone. If things go badly… it is not impossible that I might end up dying naturally from some unforeseen circumstances.”
255In truth, he could not think of any natural cause from which he could die, which was why he was using such vague terms.
256“However, it would seem that even the two people that I consider the most intelligent of all have differing opinions. That distresses me. That is why we must undertake this training, so that there will be no problems if this imagined scenario comes to pass.”
257The two of them bowed their heads.
258“Of course, I am not the only one that this could happen to. Demiurge, as Nazarick’s defensive commander during a time of attack, if an unexpected situation occurs and you are struck down, could Nazarick continue functioning normally?”
259“Yes! I have made thorough preparations in that respect. I recall submitting a report on that to you in the past, Ainz-sama.”
260Eh, did I receive something like that? Ainz decided that it would be better to trust Demiurge’s memory than his own.
261“Umu. Still, that is only in documentation, is it not? The reason I am asking is because I would like to know if you have checked to see if normal operations can be continued.”
262“I sincerely apologize! I have not carried it out!”
263Demiurge bowed his head, his face a mask of deepest regret and his voice trembling.
264“My, my deepest apologies, Ainz-sama! I was utterly foolish for signing off on the document but not making that suggestion!”
265Albedo had the same look on her face as Demiurge as she bowed her head.
266Ainz was filled with a tremendous sense of guilt. Whose fault was it? The answer was that it was his own. If he had been more reliable, the two of them would not need to apologize like this. Was he not a scummy boss?
267“--There is no need for you two to apologize. It was my fault for not properly explaining matters to you. I was the one who should not have noticed that no test had occurred. The mistake is mine.” Ainz bowed his head until his forehead touched the desk. “All this was due to my unworthiness, and I seek everyone’s forgiveness.”
268“What!? Ainz-sama!”
269“Please, please do not do that!”
270The two of them hurriedly tried to stop Ainz. However, Ainz did not raise his head. He was too ashamed to show them his face, because he knew that he was so shallow that he could not even come clean when apologizing.
271“Lu-Lupusregina! Hurry and raise Ainz’s head!”
272“Eh! Me? Please, please forgive me, I can’t possibly raise Ainz-sama’s head by force!”
273“Please, please raise your head!”
274It was only after the three of them -- Demiurge in particular -- started looking especially flustered that Ainz hurriedly looked up. After that, he heard sighs of relief from the three of them.
275“...I am grateful that you have accepted my apology. Now then, when I reach the Abelion Hills, we will use my death as the basis for an exercise. Yes. Since this is a rare opportunity, why don’t we conduct other exercises as well? For instance, if Demiurge and I were killed off by someone, that sort of thing…”
276At this point, Ainz began to feel uneasy about his own suggestions.
277“That said, even I have not fully planned out the details when it comes to this training. Therefore, if you have come up with an even better plan, then go ahead and carry it out. Ahh, no need to ask my permission. After all, this is an exercise founded on the premise that I am dead.
278The two of them smiled bitterly.
279“Ainz-sama, having to consider you dead from the start of the exercise’s planning phase is a little…”
280“It is as Demiurge says, Ainz-sama.”
281Hahahaha, the laughter of three people rang through the cabin.
282Two of them were laughing from the heart, but one was merely pretending.
283“Still, you don’t need to take it too seriously, you know? After all, the objective of this exercise is not to spread ill-will throughout Nazarick, like what happened with the two of you just now. However, I would like to conduct various kinds of training and storing up knowledge in that field, so that every Guardian can become interchangeable -- well, I know what I’ve said is pointless given your respective intellects. Do what you feel needs to be done, to whatever extent you deem fit. Can I leave that to you?”
284Now that he thought about it, Suzuki Satoru had never been the type of person who had seriously carried out disaster drills, so was it really convincing when someone like that told others to do their best? That was why he could not forget to tell them to take it easy.
285After seeing the two of them had deeply bowed their heads, Ainz said, “Now then, while this is a different matter--”
286Let’s go, me!
287The reason why he had drawn up all these flowcharts and simulated ways of talking down the two Guardians was for this aim.
288“--You are to freeze all progress on the planned giant statue of me.”
289“I understand. We will do as you direct.”
290Albedo’s single sentence seemed to put an end to the entire topic.
291Huh? Ainz’s attitude turned from baffled to fearful as he nervously asked what he had in mind.
292“...Is that alright? It was your idea, was it not, Albedo?”
293“How could anyone contradict a decision that the Supreme Being has made, Ainz-sama? If you say it is white, then it will be white even though it is black. That is all, Ainz-sama.”
294Ainz gulped. That line of thinking frightened him, and he trembled.
295“...I do not like that way of thinking, Albedo. That is just like abandoning all thought, and even I will most certainly make mistakes at some point.”
296He was just saying “most certainly”, but it felt like it had been happening all the time.
297“And in that case, won’t everything be over if I’m captured? The person who brainwashed Shalltear is still out there, you know? While there is no need to question each and every one of my aims, if I suggest something and you think of something, you ought to bring it up.”
298“I understand.”
299Albedo and Demiurge glanced briefly at each other through narrowed eyes.
300“Then, may I ask why you wish to cease construction? Is the aim of that statue not to let the world better understand your glory, Ainz-sama?”
301“Umu,” Ainz laughed in his heart. “My greatness is not something that can only be expressed through material objects.
302He recalled that this line had received approval from Neia.
303--It’s perfect.
304“Would it not be better to teach them with material objects? Fools, as they say, are those who can only understand what they see before their eyes.”
305Albedo’s words froze Ainz in place. It was just like a pitcher throwing a ball at a batter, but instead of having it being hit back at him the batter caught it and threw it back at full force.
306“...I see. You have a point, Albedo, but--”
307As Ainz thanked his voice for not trembling, he struggled to work his brain, and then gave up when nothing came to mind. While he nearly rounded his shoulders, he could not allow his image as a ruler to crumble before his subordinates.
308“--No, forget it. I’m sure that Albedo can pick out at least five of the flaws I’ve spotted, and the merits outweigh them. In that case, there is nothing else for me to say.”
309“Five, five flaws? ...Demiurge, I need to discuss something with you later. May I borrow your intellect for a while?”
310“But, but of course. I, I expected nothing less of you, Ainz-sama, to think you would say our minds were superior… truly, you are too humble.”
311The two of them began to get flustered, and Albedo bowed her head deeply.
312“I, I am truly sorry, Ainz-sama. While my plan to build your statue has already received your approval, please allow me to temporarily suspend construction. I sincerely apologize.”
313“Hm, mm. Well, it can’t be helped then. Proceed, Albedo.”
314Ainz had merely tossed out an offhand remark, but Albedo and Demiurge seemed abnormally shaken by it. He could even hear Lupusregina whisper “amazing” from the rear.
315Ainz averted his eyes, feeling guilty because he had confused the two of them by talking nonsense. However, he was glad that the plan to build the giant statue would be briefly halted.
316Next, I need to do something about the four festivals with my name on it, like the Sorcerer King Grand Thanksgiving, the Sorcerer King’s Birthday and so on! If the Sorcerer King Grand Thanksgiving is cancelled because the statue’s been cancelled as well, that just leaves three of them! Besides, if these were normal festivals, I wouldn’t want to stop them either!
317In truth, Ainz had once pretended innocence and suggested a plan for organizing festivals. However, that had led to the formation of a strange and embarrassing festival committee. Ainz sighed long and loud in his heart, and then looked at Demiurge.
318“Alright, that leaves the details which I need to discuss with Demiurge. After this, you’ll have the demon you summoned, that is to say, Jaldabaoth, attack that city, right?”
319“Yes. Indeed, that is so.”
320“Therefore… I have a couple of requests. The first concerns a personal project I am carrying out which is not going too well, for which I will need your help. Ah, don’t worry, there’s no need to get too flashy with it. And the second thing is, can you command that summoned demon to fight a serious battle with me?”
321Neia quietly closed the door to the Sorcerer King’s room and turned on her heel. And then…  her body quivered.
322She lightly patted her somewhat scalding cheeks to force her face to tighten up before it completely collapsed. One reason for that was because she knew how her relaxed face made others wary, while the other, more important reason was because it deeply embarrassed her.
323Neia did not want to walk around outside with an unseemly look on her face. She would have to meet others later, so at the very least she had to look presentable. 
324More to the point, Neia was the squire of the Sorcerer King, so anything disgraceful that she did would also damage the Sorcerer King’s reputation.
325Still, I’m only acting as his temporary squire, so it’s the Holy Kingdom which would be disgraced...
326However, the people who hated the Sorcerer King would not think that way. As the saying went, one was blinded by one’s hate. Or rather, those who hated swords hated swordsmiths as well.
327Alright!
328Neia did not want the Sorcerer King to regret the fact that she was his squire. In other words, all Neia had to do was her job.
329As Neia headed for the place where she had arranged to meet, she thought incessantly about the kindness that the Sorcerer King had shown just now.
330--Is that so, is that how it is, what a shame.
331She had sensed deep regret from the Sorcerer King when he said those words back then. There was no way he could have been rattling them off casually.
332...His Majesty really is a kind person...
333The Sorcerer King had grieved for someone from another country who had died in battle as though she had been one of his own people. Where in the world could you find a king like that? Of course, Neia did not know any other kings, so perhaps that simply reflected her dreams.
334For instance, if Neia and the others had held on a little longer, they would have been saved along with Neia, and that father who had lost his child would also have survived.
335Neia was not unhappy that the Sorcerer King had been late in his rescue. In the first place, she was grateful for the fact that he had come to rescue her, because he had already said that he had to conserve his mana for the battle with Jaldabaoth. In addition, she had heard some of the militiamen in Remedios’ unit say that he had fought several powerful demihumans at the west gate before he had come to rescue Neia.
336The Sorcerer King had fought two demihumans who could each kill a paladin in a single attack and another one whose strength was on par with that of the Holy Kingdom’s strongest paladin.
337The militiaman telling Neia all this had been hard-pressed to hide his excitement as he rattled the proceedings off like a machine gun, and he added, “We’d all have been killed if not for the Sorcerer King.”
338Indeed. Neia felt her panties moisten.
339The Sorcerer King had gone elsewhere to help others before coming to save Neia.
340While she was slightly disappointed that the Sorcerer King had not prioritized helping her, it was wrong to feel that way. The defense of the city wall was important, but it would be a far worse matter if the city gate were to fall. If the gate had been breached and the demihumans managed to get into the city, there would have been merciless slaughters everywhere.
341Anyone with any sense would have prioritized the city gate to save more lives.
342People who acted according to logic were more reliable than people who were ruled by their emotions.
343That’s the Sorcerer King for you!
344Neia thought of the strongest paladin in her country.
345Comparing His Majesty to a retard like that is an insult to him!
346After that, the Sorcerer King had also hunted down the few demihumans who had made it into the city, and many people had been saved as a result. In fact--
347“Ohhh! Squire-sama! Did you tell His Majesty for us?”
348It would seem that Neia had reached her meeting point while she was pondering how cool the Sorcerer King had been. 
349In a certain sector of the city, six men gathered on a street which still smelled of the battlefield.
350They addressed Neia like they had been waiting anxiously for her. In fact, they had actually been very anxious 
351“Yes, I’ve relayed your gratitude to His Majesty.”
352Several people unconsciously went on the defensive as Neia looked at them, but after hearing her words, they smiled and thanked her.
353“Ah, thank you very much. It’s hard to thank the king of another nation. Ah, although, it’s hard to thank even the Holy Queen-sama.”
354“That’s true, you can’t even see her, to say nothing of actually thanking her.”
355The people before her had ages which ranged from 14 to 40. However, all of them were squad leaders. Some of them had even been professional soldiers once.
356Judging by their attitude, they did not feel any sense of dread toward the Sorcerer King because he was undead.
357It was true that some people were still wary of the Sorcerer King because of his undead nature. In addition, people like that were more common among the smallfolk than the priests or paladin. They often said that the Sorcerer King was being kind in order to betray them at the right moment, and other such things.
358However, Neia felt that their reaction was because they did not understand the Sorcerer King and had simply acted out of the usual disdain for the undead. The reason for that was the group of people before her. There were many people who had changed their way of thinking once they got to know the Sorcerer King.
359“No, please don’t worry about it. I simply conveyed your gratitude intact to His Majesty. Ah, yes, His Majesty said that your thanks made him very happy.”
360There were bashful looks on the representatives from the militiamen.
361“Nonono, we’re the ones who should be happy… oh, what should we do…”
362“That’s right, His Majesty really is compassionate. I’m embarrassed by how we used to fear His Majesty because he was undead.”
363“Indeed, his Majesty is a kind person. However, I hope you will not expect such good fortune to happen again and again. After all, His Majesty did say that he had used a great deal of mana in this battle, and he would not be able to help you again next time.”
364The group’s faces immediately sobered up.
365“So we might not have His Majesty’s help next time… this is bad.”
366“A lot of people will be afraid if they know they can’t borrow His Majesty’s power. My team especially.”
367“You aren’t the only one. It’s the same on my side too… we can’t tell them about this.”
368Neia quietly addressed the shaken group.
369“Everyone, I have come to understand one thing. That is: weakness itself is a sin.”
370Neia slowly explained herself to the people who had puzzled looks on their faces.
371“Do you get it? If we were strong enough, things would not have gotten to where they are now. We could have saved our parents, our children, our wives, our friends, we could have saved all of them with our own strength. The Sorcerer King once said that we are the ones who value the things important to us the most highly. After all, His Majesty is not the king of this country, and he simply came to assist us for a special reason.”
372Neia took a breath.
373Neia raised her voice, in order to let the people watching her and the people of the Holy Kingdom passing by hear her words.
374“...When the Sorcerer King defeats Jaldabaoth and returns to his own country, what will we do when the demihumans attack again? Will we cry and beg the Sorcerer King, the king of another country, for help once more? For all we know, the Sorcerer King might not help us next time. That’s because this time was an exception. Have you ever heard of a country’s king working so hard for another nation?”
375Nobody answered Neia, because such a thing did not exist at all.
376“Maybe you don’t feel happy that a girl like me is telling you this. But who else can protect the things that are important to you other than yourselves? That’s why I feel we need to become stronger. We need to be strong enough to protect others, strong enough that we don’t need to rely on the Sorcerer King’s strength.”
377“Yes, you’re right. Exactly. I’m going to train myself.”
378“Ah, me too. Next time, I’ll be the one to protect my wife and kids.”
379“...I want to train too. I didn’t want to when I was first conscripted… but now I feel glad that I was drafted.”
380“Still, the Sorcerer King does make a lot of sense. Valuing the things important to us… mm, when you think about it, that really is true.”
381“So if someone else values my wife the most highly, I have to kill him, then?”
382“...I, I don’t think so, right? I don’t think the Sorcerer King was talking about something like that, right?”
383“...Hey, I’m just kidding, you know?”
384“It didn’t sound like a joke...”
385As the crowd laughed, Neia made a suggestion.
386“Everyone, would you like to train with me? While I can’t teach you all swordsmanship, I know a thing or two about archery.” 
387Weakness was a sin. That was because the weak only created problems for the Sorcerer King, who was justice. In that case, all they had to do was become strong. She could not allow herself to cause trouble for the Sorcerer King next time. She had to allow His Majesty to focus on fighting Jaldabaoth. That was what she ought to do, as a squire.
388“Ah, that’s a good idea.”
389“We need to become strong. I’ll protect my family next time.”
390“--Why are you all gathering here? Are you discussing something?”
391“Ah -- Captain.”
392After being questioned out of nowhere, Neia looked back and saw Remedios Custodio standing behind her. In fact, Neia had heard her footsteps approaching, but she had not thought that it would be Remedios.
393Someone annoying showed up, Neia thought as she tried to keep her face from showing how she felt. The militiamen representatives, on the other hand, looked like they were in distress.
394“Can’t you answer my question?”
395“Yes, ma’am! I was telling these gentlemen that I had conveyed their gratitude to His Majesty.”
396“To him, you say?”
397“...It is hardly appropriate to address the king of another nation as ‘him’.”
398Remedios glared at Neia.
399“The strong protecting the weak is common sense, is it not?”
400“...I do not know if it is common sense, but I feel that only the strong are qualified to say such things, and not the weak.”
401“What!? Are you saying that I’m weak?”
402“Yes,” Neia replied on the spot. “Compared to His Majesty, you are weak… Captain, have I said something wrong?”
403Neia stared back forcefully at Remedios.
404“Hmph, it doesn’t matter if you want to be friends with the Sorcerer King, but he’s undead, you know that, right? A monster who inhabits a different world from the living.”
405“Yes, I know that.”
406“I said that because I was worried about you. It seems it was for nothing.”
407While Remedios looked like she was disappointed, it felt very fake to Neia. That was not what the paladin before her really thought.
408“I’m certain you must be busy with many things, Captain, and I would not dare take up your time. In addition, I have things to tell the others. Would it not be better for yourself to move on to the other places you have to be, Captain? 
409“...Very well then. You lot, it’s only natural for the Sorcerer King to help you. You don’t need to think too much about it, got that?”
410Remedios left after saying so. As they watched her go, someone from the militia representatives spoke up.
411“How should I say this… that was amazing… is that the strongest paladin of this country…”
412“Yes, that’s what she is.”
413After hearing the representative speak his mind, Neia unconsciously replied to him. After that, the militia representatives covered their faces with their hands. It would seem they had suffered quite a shock.
414Although Neia had not done anything wrong, she still felt a little guilty.
415“The, the paladins aren’t, aren’t all like that. How shall I put it… she’s a special education case. And she’s… ah, like that. Yes.”
416“It’s hard for you, Squire-sama… I’d like to buy you a drink, if you can drink.”
417“I appreciate your goodwill… uh, where was I again? Yes, training together. I can find a way to borrow a training area and equipment. Can I contact you later once everything’s ready?”
418“We’ll let you handle that”, “Alright, we’ll wait,” the men answered cheerily.
419
420Part 2
421
422Neia smoothly drew her bowstring.
423She turned her keen gaze toon the target, and she could see the silent white wisps of her breath drawn to the edges of her vision by the wind, where it disappeared. Spring was close, but the weather was still cold.
424Neia buried the random notions in her mind deep within her, staring at the target in a state of no-thought, and then she slowly drew herself back.
425During the defense of the city, Neia had come to understand that nobody had time to slowly take aim on the battlefield, but right now they were training to improve their accuracy, so quick-fire drills could be left for another time.
426And then -- she released her arrow.
427The arrow whistled as it tore through the air and flew in a straight line that ended in it striking the target dead on.
428Hoo, Neia exhaled.
429Of the ten arrows she had fired, not a single one had been off target.
430This was an outstanding accuracy rate, but Neia took no joy in it.
431She could not do it in the past, but right now, Neia could even split the arrow she had just launched. Of course, she would damage the arrow if she did that, so she did not.
432The reason why she had ended up like this, why she could do something that was previously impossible for her was because after that battle, she was not just capable of archery, but of harnessing what they called divine power. However, the strange thing was that it was slightly different from the abilities that paladins were said to possess. This was because normally, paladins could only channel their powers through melee weapons, while she could imbue ranged weapons with her powers.
433While she did not quite understand what that meant, the Sorcerer King had seemed quite happy when he had heard about this. Still, even the Sorcerer King had only said, “It’s hard to tell from just that, let me know if other abilities awaken.”
434Applause rang out, and Neia smiled bitterly, because she felt uncomfortable.
435“Wow, you’re amazing, Baraja-chan.”
436“Oh yes, it’s the first time I’ve seen anyone with such great shooting, nobody in my village could do that.”
437“Ahh, it’s true. I used to be a hunter by trade, and I knew a few people in my own right, but none of them had Baraja-chan’s skills.”
438The people praising Neia were the majority of the people practicing archery in the same training field as Neia. Many of their faces had not been seen on these streets during the defense of the city three weeks ago.
439The reason for that was because people were being rescued from the nearby prison camps and the city’s population has risen swiftly as a result. The people among them with a talent for archery or who had used bows before were drafted into archery units and placed under Neia’s command.
440Normally, people would balk at being made subordinate to a squire girl, especially if some of them were old enough to be her father. However, none of the men -- and women -- gathered here protested.
441The main reason was because nobody dared voice any objections after being subjected to her vicious gaze, and also because they had to acknowledge her skill with the bow. Some of them were even more grateful to Neia after learning that she was the Sorcerer King’s squire.
442There were also some who were afraid she was undead because they had heard that she was the Sorcerer King’s squire, but not everyone was like that. 
443In these three weeks, the paladins had been sent out to liberate prison camps, but at the same time, the Sorcerer King and Neia had also gone out to attack camps and rescue prisoners.
444When the Sorcerer King had first broached the subject, there had been a shocking number of objections. However, the Sorcerer King then said, “Now that the Demihuman Alliance is short on manpower, they will start to execute the captives if they judge that they lack the ability to run the prison camps, so they must be rescued without delay”, and that had convinced Caspond to accept the Sorcerer King’s suggestion and send the two of them out. 
445Neia had originally wanted to argue that the Sorcerer King ought to conserve his mana in order to battle Jaldabaoth. However, Neia admired how he acted to protect the people of another country and felt the justice emanating from him, so she could not bring herself to stop him.
446And so, Neia and the Sorcerer King had freed many captives and brought them to this city. For this reason, there were people who were happy to serve under Neia.
447“Ahhh~ I ought to learn a few things from Baraja-chan.”
448“Yeah, that’s right. She’s amazing. Also, that bow you borrowed from the Sorcerer King -- the Ultimate Shootingstar Super -- you can do even more amazing things with that bow, right?”
449“The Ultimate Shootingstar Super, huh. What an amazing bow…”
450All their eyes went to the bow stowed behind Neia’s back -- the Ultimate Shootingstar Super.
451She ought to have used it during her training, but she had avoided doing so because she did not want to rely too heavily on her weapon.
452“Yes, during the battle for the city walls, it was thanks to the Ultimate Shootingstar Super that I was able to survive until His Majesty arrived… no, that’s not it. It wasn’t just the Ultimate Shootingstar Super, but the armor I borrowed from His Majesty and all his other items that helped me too…”
453Neia caressed Buser’s armor.
454“This armor came from a renowned demihuman, it looks amazing to me no matter how many times I look at it…”
455“She let me touch it once, and its hardness is amazing. I chopped at it with a sword and it just bounced off.”
456“Seriously? I’ve never heard that before?”
457As Neia’s wargear became a hot topic, she clapped to get everyone’s attention.
458“Alright, enough chitchat, back to training. According to the Sorcerer King, Jaldabaoth’s preparing to make another move soon, so we can’t waste a single moment. 
459There was a chorus of acknowledgements.
460“Alright, it’s time to begin practical shooting. Let’s start, everyone.”
461As she watched her subordinates -- the word sounded really grand, and it embarrassed her a little -- disperse, Neia removed the item which covered half her face. It was an item she had borrowed from the Sorcerer King.
462This magic item was a visor-shaped set of mirrorshades that allowed her to use a special ability known as the Serpent Shot once every three minutes. It was a technique that allowed an arrow to twist and turn in front of one’s opponent, like an animal bringing down its prey.
463She was not too sure what it did because she had not fired it at anyone, but in all likelihood, one would need to be very agile to avoid it.
464It was a very handy item for someone like Neia, who used the bow as her main weapon, but more importantly, the fact that it hid her eyes was amazing. Or rather, without that item, she could not have gotten along so well with the others.
465Neia put her visor on, and took up her bow again.
466Everyone here was experienced, and now that time was tight, she did not need to instruct them on the finer points of finger positioning. She had touched briefly on how to fire quickly, and after that all that was needed was to give them individual coaching and have them practice until their fingers ached. The most important thing for them was to accumulate shooting experience.
467As usual, Neia wondered about requesting healing magic from the priests as she loosed an arrow. 
468Just at that moment, Neia’s keen ears picked up a noise.
469It had come from the outside. While Neia’s shooting form nearly broke down, she managed to keep it together. It might not have been what she expected, and even if it was the person she had hoped to meet, they might have only been passing by, and not intended to come here.
470However, the being that appeared at the door to the training yard was the great king with the skeletal face -- the Sorcerer King.
471In the beginning, everyone had feared the undead, but many of them had been rescued by the Sorcerer King during the defense of the city and from the prison camps. The clamor of respectful and thankful voices soon came to herald the arrival of the Sorcerer King.
472However, nobody stopped practicing. Normally, they would have knelt before the Sorcerer King when he appeared, but the Sorcerer King himself had put a stop to it.
473This isn’t a public place, so you don’t need to do that when I’m just showing my face, am I wrong?
474No king, especially the savior of a nation should have been treated that way.
475Even so, the Sorcerer King had said that they did not need to do so.
476What a great person he is...
477After sighing in awe, Neia went to the Sorcerer King’s side, and forced her slackening face to tighten up.
478She kept her visor on.
479That was because the Sorcerer King had said that she ought to be ready to fight at any time, so she did not need to take it off.
480He was probably concerned about whether she could use a magic item like it was part of her own body and thinking that she ought to be on guard no matter what unexpected things happened. Neia was deeply impressed by the depth of the Sorcerer King’s considerations.
481Neia understood that the Sorcerer King’s eyes had gone from looking into his hands to herself as she ran over. For some reason, observing the Sorcerer King’s habitual movements made Neia a little happy.
482The thought that she understood the tiny quirks of an extraordinary individual made Neia’s cheeks relax.
483“Your Majesty! We are grateful that you have chosen to visit this place in person!”
484Neia was still the Sorcerer King’s squire, even after being appointed the commander of the archery unit. That said, it was hard to say that she had done a squire’s job properly, while leaving his side to train others in archery instead, not to mention she had even made him come here instead.
485Neia wanted to prioritize her work as the Sorcerer King’s squire, but instead she had chosen to do this, because she no longer wanted to be a burden to him. And there was also another reason, which she had not told anyone else.
486That was because the Sorcerer King refused to have anyone except Neia serve as his follower. He had said that to Caspond’s face with Neia in attendance.
487As more and more people gathered, there were many more skilful or charming people than this mad-eyed maiden. Even so, he had said that Neia would be fine. The person she viewed as justice had said that about her. 
488Could anything have made her happier?
489“--Umu. While I know you’re being humble, I don’t think this is a mere ‘place’. After all, it is where you sharpen your fangs, is it not?”
490“Thank you very much, Your Majesty!”
491She looked around -- perhaps it would be disrespectful to look away from the Sorcerer King, but the visor she wore made it possible -- and saw that her people had heard it and the tips of their ears were turning red. The problem was that their performance deteriorated, possibly because they were nervous, or because they had stiffened up their shoulders in order to look good for the Sorcerer King.
492That said, her own ears felt a little hot too.
493“...Miss Baraja. Your men have made a great deal of progress since last time. Surely that must be your accomplishment as their leader.”
494His pleasantries both embarrassed Neia and left her at a loss for how to answer.
495It would be embarrassing to say that they got nervous and can’t show their full ability because Your Majesty arrived. They would think so too.
496Therefore, Neia decided to take his words as they were given. However--
497“No, it’s nothing of the sort. I hardly taught them anything. They could have done that by themselves.”
498“Is that so? Well, if you say so, then it must be true.”
499In other words -- the Sorcerer King did not think so. Which meant that the Sorcerer King thought very highly of Neia.
500Neia raised her voice a little to try and hide her soaring emotions.
501“In, in that case, Your Majesty, does your presence here mean that the meeting is already over?”
502“Ah, yes. They’re done for the day, but that said, I did not make any special suggestions.”
503Right now, this city had a mountain of problems, all of which stemmed from the increasing population of the city. The original population of this small city of Lloyds had been less than 20’000, but after gathering the people from the liberated camps, it was now in excess of 150’000.
504The most recent of these overpopulation problems was the slimes used in the sewers -- the Sanitary Slimes -- whose own population had surged due to an abundance in food and had thus caused a panic when they erupted from the waterways.
505When the slime population grew, they were typically burned back down with magic items, but the unexpectedly rapid growth meant that this was not done in time and several men and women had been attacked.
506When these men and women were surrounded by the slimes, a group of rubbish-clearing monsters called the Filth Eaters appeared from the sewers to help them.
507Unlike how they appeared, the Filth Eaters were intelligent monsters, and they knew that humans could produce a great deal of their food, and so they saved the people with their acidic bodies.
508However, the people were not grateful to the Filth Eaters. That was because Sanitary Slimes were not infectious themselves, but the Filth Eaters who helped them were colonies of pathogens. Thus, the people they had helped had been infected by disease and were in a very bad state, particularly those who had contracted encephalitis.
509In addition, it was winter now, so firewood and other fuels were scarce. Then there was the fact that there had been delays in the construction of housing. While there was no food shortage yet, that would become a danger in the future.
510The Sorcerer King had been invited to many of the meetings to deal with these problems, possibly because they were counting on his prodigious knowledge to solve their problems.
511While the Sorcerer King had simply said that he did not know that much and had merely sat aside to listen, such a person could not have been summoned to meetings time and time again.
512The fact that he conducted himself so humbly despite being the king of a nation only deepened Neia’s respect for him.
513“What do you intend to do next, Your Majesty?”
514“Umu. I had intended to see if the moving of logs was going well… Are you busy with practice, Miss Baraja? If you don’t mind, would you like to accompany me?”
515In order to solve the lack of fuel and housing, they were using the Sorcerer King’s undead horses to transport logs from a distant forest. Initially, many people had been averse to using undead horses for transport, but now there was a steady stream of praise for the merits of these undead horses.
516“Ah, please allow me to go with you! I am Your Majesty’s Squire, after all!”
517The knowledge that she would be able to perform her squirely duties at long last and her delight at being alone with the Sorcerer King caused Neia to unconsciously speak faster and louder. As a result, Neia’s ears burned.
518“Is, is that so? Then let us proceed.”
519“Yes! Please--”
520Then, as though to interrupt her, a sky-blackening inferno erupted in the distance.
521For a moment, Neia wondered what was burning.
522But that was wrong. She had been too far off. That could not have been caused by any form of natural combustion.
523That fire seemed to be enveloping the city. In other words, it was a wall of fire -- Neia’s mind immediately recalled what the members of Blue Rose had said.
524“--Your Majesty! That’s--”
525“Ah, it is as you are thinking, and the same as what I heard from Momon… the time has come at last. It seems that bastard Jaldabaoth is attacking. Miss Baraja, I’m heading out.”
526Had he anticipated this series of events? As though influenced by the Sorcerer King’s calm attitude, Neia’s heart calmed down as well. Or no, it would be better to say that the presence of a supreme being like the Sorcerer King gave her peace of mind.
527“Where to!?”
528“Ah -- hm. Jaldabaoth’s aim is still unclear. So, ah -- he might just be here to slaughter indiscriminately. However, if he has an objective, he’ll either be targeting me or the Holy Kingdom’s leadership, so it would be best if we met up. Tell your men to get ready for battle and then have them flee to a safe district.”
529“Eh!?”
530“They’ll be of no use against Jaldabaoth. In that case, it would be better to have them prepare to deal with any demons which might appear. Since the city will probably be in chaos now, once you form up your unit, won’t it be better to have them head outside the city?”
531While his words had been unclear at first, perhaps he had organized his thoughts later on, because the middle part onwards was a nonstop series of instructions to Neia.
532“Yes! Thank you very much, Your Majesty! Alright, everyone!”
533While they had made plans in case Jaldabaoth led an army against them, they had not expected a blaze to surround the entire city. Another big problem was the fact that they did not know the extent of the preparations that the enemy had made.
534Neia gave her instructions. There was only a single squad here and they could not do as they pleased, but as a team leader, she had a responsibility to do several things before her orders came.
535The instructions were something like this:
536Everyone in the squad was to take their families and head to the east gate, because if the enemy attacked, it was more likely that they would attack from the west gate. After that, they would form up at the east gate, and if there were demons outside the east gate, they would climb the walls near the east gate and attack them. In addition, they were to listen to Neia’s adjutant until she arrived and adapt to changes in the battlefield conditions.
537Neia’s subordinates obeyed her instructions and moved swiftly into action.
538“Your Majesty!”
539After giving her orders, Neia turned back and saw that the Sorcerer King’s eyes were on his hands, while he had used a flight spell to rise to somewhere around the level of Neia’s head.
540“Your Majesty! Let me go with you!”
541Perhaps he was startled by Neia’s shout, but the Sorcerer King suddenly closed his hand and a quiet sound came from within.
542“Hmm… well, alright.”
543The Sorcerer King cast a flying spell on Neia as well. In that moment, she realised the greatness of magic as she learned what it was to fly.
544Neia and the Sorcerer King moved as though they were skimming along the ground. They did not leave the surface except to soar over crowds of people, who had descended into chaos, because they could not get a grip on the situation. The reason for that was because flying in the air without cover made them very obvious, and if there were demons about, they might be subjected to attack spells from all directions.
545Neia bit her lip in unhappiness, feeling like she was being a burden. Whatever spells the demons used, they could not possibly pose a problem for the Sorcerer King. She could not help but think that he had chosen to go the long way around instead of flying directly to his destination because she was around.
546Eventually, they reached their destination -- the headquarters, which also doubled as Caspond’s chambers.
547The two paladins at the door had their hands full trying to manage the people jammed up near the door.
548“Miss Baraja, we’ll go in from above.”
549“Yes!”
550After seeing that it would be a little difficult to enter from the front door, the two of them floated up and arrived at the balcony. Just then, the window facing them opened up.
551“Your Majesty! Thank you for coming.”
552It was a paladin.”
553“Are the others here yet?”
554“No, Your Majesty. The priests are assembling. Vice-Captain Montagnes is off to liberate a prison camp and isn’t expected to return today. Right now, only Captain Custodio and Caspond-denka are present.”
555“Is that so. Still, it’s good that the two of them are here. Lead the way.”
556“Yes!”
557After the paladin led them to Caspond’s room, they could hear a loud discussion through the door. It seemed quite chaotic.
558The paladin opened the door for them, and over a dozen pairs of bloodshot eyes greeted them.
559“Sorry I’m late. We’re out of time, so what plans were you discussing just now?”
560Everyone looked at each other, and Caspond spoke up on their behalf.
561“We have not spotted Jaldabaoth yet. Your Majesty, could this fire have been made by a magic item or a demon other than Jaldabaoth?”
562“I am unsure. After all, even I could not do such a thing.”
563The others were shaken. The Sorcerer King employed magic that surpassed the imagination. How powerful must Jaldabaoth be if he could use a spell that even the Sorcerer King could not?
564“In that case, what effects does that fire have? Blue Rose said that they managed to pass through it, then surely normal people can do so as well, right?”
565After saying so, Remedios turned to look straight at the Sorcerer King.
566“That won’t be a problem. As for its effects, demons standing inside the fire benefit from improved attributes, negative-karma spells will do more damage, item drop rates will increase and many other effects. But according to the results from the investigation team, none of those effects exist. However, it still remains to be seen whether it has any other effects.”
567“Which means we can freely move in and out, right?”
568“Hm? Didn’t I say that at the beginning?”
569“In that case, we ought to evacuate as long as there are no demihumans or demons around, and then form up into units there. After all, I heard that demons appeared within the area surrounded by the fire when it was last seen in the Kingdom. Let’s go with that plan of action, everyone.”
570After giving the paladins their orders, he asked the Sorcerer King again, “Can you use your magic to pinpoint Jaldabaoth’s location, Your Majesty?”
571“If I could, I wouldn’t need to stay in this city now, would I?”
572“You have a point.”
573Just as the Sorcerer King was dealing with one question after another, everyone heard an ominous creaking.
574It started out quietly enough, and then it steadily grew to drown out the clamor in the room. One by one, they realised that the sound had died down, and finally, in the silence, the only thing that remained was the sound of creaking.
575Everyone looked around nervously in all directions, and just then, Neia noticed something odd on the outside wall of the building and exclaimed an “Ah--”
576A crack appeared on the wall, and as everyone watched, it began to spread. The wall bulged, and then--
577“Everyone, get away!”
578Just as Remedios shouted, the Sorcerer King stood in front of Neia.
579The wall broke apart and there was an explosion. Bricks flew through the room like a spray of shotgun pellets. Groans filled the air; they came from those people who had been hit by the high-speed chunks of bricks.
580If the Sorcerer King had not shielded Neia with his body, Neia might have ended up groaning on the ground with them.
581“Th-thank you--” 
582The Sorcerer King held up his hand to stop Neia before she could thank him, and then he pointed at the smoke-billowing gap in the wall to draw her attention there.
583There was a gigantic silhouette there, the color of a roaring blaze.
584“--Thank you for the warm welcome, humans.”
585It was a deep and powerful voice.
586As though cutting through the smoke, that being calmly poked itself through the hole in the outside wall and entered the room.
587It was -- a demon.
588Due to his size, he had to bend down in order to barely fit inside the room. His posture looked a little stupid, but now was definitely not the time for laughter. Her throat could not work properly; she wanted to swallow the saliva pooling in her mouth, but it stuck there instead.
589This was an overwhelming gathering of power.
590Neia had never been very good at judging the strength of her foes relative to herself, but she understood that she could not win against him even with tens of thousands of Neias. She was swallowed by a swell of might comparable to the Sorcerer King after removing his ring, and she could not move a muscle.
591It was then that she realised who she was facing.
592That, that’s Jaldabaoth… the Demon Emperor Jaldabaoth...
593His face was filled with wrath, his wings were red, and his burning arms -- he seemed to be holding something in one hand, and Neia could not help but doubt her eyes.
594That was -- though she dared not believe it -- a lower body. It emanated a vile stench, one of advanced decay.
595“Yeeeaaarrt!”
596It was a shout -- no, a scream. It was a sound that only one who had burst the shackles on their emotions and fallen into madness would make. It came from behind Neia.
597Neia’s back shuddered. The person making that sound was Remedios.
598Remedios raised her holy sword high and charged straight at Jaldabaoth, not caring about her own defense.
599This was too rash. Even Neia, who was not skilled with swords, felt that it was a foolish charge.
600“--Get lost.”
601Those weighty, quiet words were accompanied by the sound of splashing sound. At the same time, Remedios flew in a straight line and crashed into a wall. Her impact made such a crash that it seemed as though the entire building would collapse. After that, Remedios -- who had been swatted aside like a fly -- collapsed limply from the wall.
602It would seem Jaldabaoth had sent Remedios flying with the object that looked like a human’s lower body.
603Neia would surely have died if she had taken that hit. But as expected of the country’s strongest paladin, her life did not seem to be in danger.
604However, in its place, a revolting odor began to spread through the air.
605The room was filled with chunks of meat from the decayed lower body that Jaldabaoth had used to strike Remedios. 
606“Ahh… what a mess. I sincerely apologize for getting the room dirty. Of course, it would not have ended up like this if that woman had not charged at me without thinking -- well, that’s just an excuse. Please forgive me.”
607Jaldabaoth slowly bowed his head. He seemed genuinely apologetic, but that only made everyone else more afraid.
608And then, he casually dumped what he was holding -- something that looked like the charred remains of a human ankle -- to the ground.
609“My my, I guess I got too excited when swinging it around and the top half flew off somewhere. It’s a dirty little thing, so I’ve been looking for a chance to dispose of it… but in the end I managed to make good use of her. Am I not a kind demon? She must be thanking me from the afterlife.”
610Jaldabaoth muttered to himself.
611“Ahhhhhhhhhh!”
612Remedios touched herself as she wailed in anguish, fresh blood streaming from the corner of her mouth. No, she was collecting the chunks of meat that were stuck to her. What was she doing? Had she lost her mind at last, Neia wondered.
613No, there was a method to her seeming madness.
614Don’t tell me, that corpse was… how could this be...
615Although the lower body had tattered bits of what looked like armor stuck to it, it should have belonged to a woman. In that case, she could imagine two people that it could have been.
616If that was really the case...
617“What a lovely sound,” Jaldabaoth waved his hand like a conductor. “In that case, I believe this is the first time we have met, Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown-dono -- or perhaps -sama would be a better form of address?”“It doesn’t matter. Now then, I trust you’re here for a showdown with me?” 
618“Indeed. No amount of weaklings will make a difference.”
619“I concur on that point. I have no intention of generating meaningless deaths.”
620Still sniffling, Remedios looked towards the Sorcerer King.
621“Your Majesty, you are strong. Stronger even than Momon. I hope you will allow me to adopt a strategy that will guarantee my victory.”
622Jaldabaoth raised his hand, and a head poked itself through the hole.
623It was a woman wearing a mask and a maid’s outfit. There were two of them, in fact.
624“I trust you will not call me despicable?”
625“--Uh, hm. Well, this is… mhm… uh… um.” 
626The Sorcerer King was starting to get worried. That was only to be expected.
627Nobody could have expected Jaldabaoth to arrive with his maid demons in tow. However--
628That’s probably not the case. The Sorcerer King is wise, and he must have anticipated this. In that case, why is he like this? Could it be that it’s because we’re here? Perhaps he’s not confident of protecting us all as well, so he’s worried!
629
630
631“Your Majesty, please do not worry about us.”
632“Eh?”
633The Sorcerer King made a tiny exclamation of surprise.
634Neia knew very well that the maid demons were beings who could kill everyone in this room, and they were so powerful that she could not be at ease even if someone told her not to worry. Compared to someone on the Sorcerer King’s level, Neia and the others, probably including Remedios, were little more than valueless pawns.
635However -- she would rather die than get in his way.
636She had once heard that the Sorcerer King’s subordinates were prepared to die if they became hostages. While the Sorcerer King said he had felt distressed by it, Neia could finally understand how his subordinates had felt. They did not want to become a burden to the person they respected.
637“Hahaha! Do not worry, humans. I will torture you all to death afterwards. We will be waiting in the fountain at the center of town. Of course, you may flee if you wish, Sorcerer King.”
638“I take those words and return them to you, Jaldabaoth.”
639The Sorcerer King and Jaldabaoth stared each other down.
640After that, Jaldabaoth turned -- and Remedios jumped up, her holy sword in hand, and rushed at him.
641The weakly-glowing holy sword looked like a band of flowing light.
642
643“Dieeeeee!”
644And then, she stabbed it into Jaldabaoth’s back.
645“What’s this? This is… Are you satisfied?”
646--It was a cold, flat voice.
647“Why… why… after taking a strike from the holy sword… you should be evil…”
648Remedios’ back looked far too tiny and insignificant in comparison.
649“I have no idea what to make of that. Why? What do you mean by why? It felt like a little prick, how about that? If you’re done, would you mind getting out of the way? I don’t intend to kill you here. I’ll decide after I kill the Sorcerer King.”
650Jaldabaoth paid no heed to Remedios and spread his enormous, fiery wings before flying off. The maid demons followed him.
651“...Then I’ll be going too. You should go take shelter so you don’t get caught up in the fighting. While I don’t think it’ll be a problem, I hope you’ll understand if this city ends up wrecked.”
652“Your Majesty, will it be alright?”
653
654Caspond rose from where he had dived for cover to avoid the debris flying about the room. His eyes looked at Remedios, who looked utterly defeated and could not rise to her feet.
655“It’ll be fine -- I can’t say that for sure, but there ought to be a chance. It would have been very troublesome if he’d brought the demihumans along as shields. Looks like he’s still underestimating me, and this is also a chance to bring the maid demons into my fold.
656“It’ll be fine. It’s okay. My sister is still here. Kelart is still here. As long as she’s around, Calca-sama might…”
657Remedios smacked her face as she muttered to herself, and then she forcefully rose to her feet.
658“Sorcerer King! I’ll go too! Lend me a weapon that can harm him! I’ll become your sword for the time being!”
659The Sorcerer King looked at Remedios, her eyes bloodshot and filled with hate, and then shook his head.
660“...Forget about it. You would only get in the way.”
661“What are you saying!?”
662“Do you not understand? I speak of the disparity in strength. Or do you mean to say you understand it, but refuse to accept it? Simply put -- you are a burden.”
663Remedios glared at the Sorcerer King like he was her nemesis.
664The Sorcerer King’s words were very harsh, but they were also true. Or rather, they were hard to accept precisely because they were true.
665“Captain Remedios! I have another task for you. Evacuate these people outside the city!”
666
667Caspond gave the order in a stern, commanding tone.
668“The plan was to let His Majesty handle Jaldabaoth. You agreed to that too, didn’t you?”
669“...Ahh, I know,” Remedios bit her lip, and then she forced out her next words. “You must kill that bastard.”
670“Understood.”
671“--Paladins, carefully gather the remains of that body. Don’t leave a single piece behind.”
672“Captain… that body is…”
673The paladin had an idea of what was going on, and ventured his question in a trembling voice. Remedios replied in a tone that seemed to be telling him not to ask any more.
674“Don’t forget that there might be demonic trickery at work.”
675Remedios left without looking back. Several paladins followed her, with half-frightened looks on their faces.
676“Your Majesty, I sincerely apologize for the way she treated you… May I apologize on her behalf?” Caspond lowered his head. “Please, I beg your forgiveness.”
677“...I accept your apology. Now then, hurry up and evacuate. If he has to wait too long, he might decide to go back on his word. I’ll be heading off first to buy time, but I hope you understand that I can only give you about 30 minutes.”
678“I understand. Everyone heard that? Get moving!”
679
680Several priests and paladins moved out with Caspond.
681The only people left in the room were the Sorcerer King and Neia, as well as several paladins and priests who were stuffing the remains of a certain someone’s body into a bag. In that case--
682“Your Majesty, may I come with you!?”
683There were gasps of awe and sudden intakes of air from all around her. But Neia ignored those irrelevant people. She took off her visor and looked straight at the Sorcerer King.
684“...Umu. I cannot. He may have said all that just now, but he’s a demon. If pressed, he will reveal his true nature and use you as a hostage.
685“But if that happens, Your Majesty will kill me without hesitation, will you not?”
686“When you say that with such a serious look on your face, you make me sound like a cruel person. Well, if I can’t save you, I’ll discard you. I’ll hit you with an attack spell as well.”
687“In that case--”
688“--I am not doing this because I want to kill hostages, you know?”
689“Ah! Forgive me…”
690
691That was how it was. He would do it because it was the best choice available. If there were a better alternative, this merciful man would surely choose that instead. Thus, not letting Neia accompany him was because it was the best of the best alternatives.
692“But… Your Majesty, you have used many spells and even your magic items and mana in order to free this city. As a magic caster, surely you must be weakened now. Will that be alright?”
693“Mhm! Indeed, it might be dangerous, but I came here to defeat Jaldabaoth. Fortunately, he came to find me instead. Now I’ll destroy him and mape the raids… ugh, saying that I want the maids makes me sound like a dirty old man, hm…”
694Neia smiled bitterly at the Sorcerer King, who could still make a lame joke at a time like this. She wanted to speak, but the Sorcerer King cut her off with a raise of his hand.
695“Besides, I’ll be a laughingstock if I run away here.”
696The Sorcerer King shrugged, like he was kidding. Neia sensed that he was not being serious, and so she raised her voice.
697“Your Majesty! If they want to laugh, let them! I humbly submit that you should only fight him in top condition! Also, you came here to battle Jaldabaoth, but you ended up using a vast amount of mana and strength on the behalf of the Holy Kingdom. That’s not what you agreed to in the beginning. If we say that, the people of my country will…”
698
699“Indeed, that is true. But humans are creatures who only believe what they want to believe. Even if you spread the word, nobody would take it to heart, Miss Baraja.”
700“That…! In that case, I can be a witness! And…”
701Neia looked out the corner of her eye at the paladins and priests listening to their conversation, Surely they would be willing to be witnesses.
702“...Neia Baraja. I thank you, but there is no need for that. I will not change my intention to fight Jaldabaoth.”
703“This -- why is that?”
704“Simple. It is because it is a promise I have made as a king.”
705Neia had nothing to say. There was nothing she could say in response to that. A commoner like herself could not possibly say anything that could change the mind of a King.
706There were murmurs of admiration around her. Indeed, this great and proud person was none other than His Majesty the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown.
707Neia was filled with pride for the king that she held in such high esteem.
708“Your Majesty, I know this is deeply disrespectful, but if you feel there is danger, I beg you to flee.”
709Perhaps mentioning the possibility of his loss might make him unhappy, but even so she still had to say it.
710“...But of course. It is a fool who fights without preparing a means of escape. Even if you lose one battle, you can make good use of the information gained in the next one. It doesn’t matter if you lose the first battle.”
711
712“I expected nothing less of you, Your Majesty.”
713An extreme interpretation of that was that if his aim was to defeat Jaldabaoth, then all he needed was to be victorious in the end. Neia was excited by this line of thinking, which was not a warrior’s mindset, but that of a king.
714“Then I’ll be heading out first.”
715
716***
717
718Ainz walked toward the place Jaldabaoth had indicated. Along the way, he used [Message] to order the two Hanzos who had followed him to check for tails and if anyone was observing from afar.
719After receiving a negative report on both those items, Ainz had originally intended to terminate the transmission immediately, but then he received a somewhat confused report that there were members of the Pleiades present.
720Ainz acknowledged it and ended the [Message].
721...We didn’t find any other players or World-Class Item holders this time round either. I keep thinking they ought to have shown themselves by now… but if they don’t exist, how do you explain what happened to Shalltear? Was it some kind of coincidence? It should have been the effect of a World-Class Item, right? Or was it the work of some Talent?
722The fact that nothing had turned up despite going to these lengths made the whole thing feel like a trap for him. For all he knew, the opposition was waiting for him to lower his guard before striking.
723Honestly… well, it doesn’t matter. Careful planning for the future won’t be wasted.
724Therefore, Ainz contacted the other Hanzo squads with [Message] to verify their readiness and that his orders had been received.
725Alright, preparations are complete. The next part is simple, I just need to follow Demiurge’s playbook. Even if I make a mistake, I can always say “I was just testing you” and so on.
726That was good.
727Ainz was moved by how light his tread was. This the first time he had felt so relaxed since coming to this world, and it was like floating through the sky.
728Soon, Ainz came to an average-sized square.
729This  had originally been a periodically-activated fountain square for the citizens’ leisure. However, there was no water flowing through here after the demihumans had wrecked it. There were no plans to restore it for the time being, and the surroundings looked very austere.
730A demon stood proudly there.
731It was a huge demon with burning wings and two crimson, brawny fists.
732This was the Evil Lord of Wrath from Nazarick. However, what stood here was merely a monster that Demiurge had called up with his Evil Lord Summons. It could only be used once every 50 hours, but it could be freely controlled for a time. Nazarick would not be diminished even if it were killed.
733It was level 84.
734As a physical-attacker type Evil Lord, it had a very high HP total.
735Of all the special abilities that Evil Lords possessed, the most dangerous one was the ability to summon another Evil Lord which was lower level than themselves. However, summoned monsters could not in turn summon more monsters. Therefore, the Evil Lord of Wrath that Demiurge had summoned could not summon another Evil Lord.
736If this Evil Lord had been created or made, then it could summon additional another other creatures. For instance, the Evil Lord of Sloth would often summon pack after pack of demons and undead, making them very hard to deal with.
737In addition, one troublesome point about the Evil Lord of Wrath was that it was very hard to manage its hate.
738The Evil Lord of Wrath built aggro more easily than other Evil Lords. He had heard tanks say that the most aggravating thing about dealing with multiple Evil Lords at once was how to keep the Evil Lord of Wrath from going off-target.
739In addition, it had the special ability of doing more damage and gaining more defense the higher its hate value became. Still, that was not too frightening. The only thing that Ainz had to be worried about was its ability called [Soul-Bought Miracle], which produced unknown effects.
740The spells it could cast included:
741Tenth-tier spells: [Meteor Fall], [Time Stop], [Field of Unclean]
742Ninth-tier spells: [Greater Rejection], [Vermillion Nova]
743Eighth-tier spells: [Distort Moral], [Insanity], [Astral Smite], [Wave of Pain]
744Seventh-tier spells: [Napalm], [Hellflame], [Greater Word of Curse], [Greater Teleportation], [Blasphemy]
745Sixth-tier spells: [Flamewing]. [Wall of Hell]
746Third-tier spells: [Fireball], [Slow]
747While the exact number of spells that monsters could use varied with their level and type, it was typically around 8. However, high-level monsters like Dragons, Demons and Angels were an exception.
748Still, as a pure warrior type, the Evil Lord of Wrath’s spells were not particularly fearsome.
749It had no skills to strengthen its spells, and its magic-related stats were very low. While the Evil Lord’s attack spells were fire-element and thus targeted a weakness of the undead, there was no need for him to be cautious. Its mind-affecting spells were also useless against the undead, and Ainz’s karma values had been negative to begin with, so spells like [Distort Moral] were a waste of time.
750To Ainz, who was of negative karma, Angels were harder for him to deal with than Demons.
751As he contemplated his opposition’s data, Ainz glanced at the two maids behind the Evil Lord. He would think about them later.
752“Now then, you have heard everything?”
753“But of course, Ainz-sama.”
754Hearing that weighty voice made Suzuki Satoru smile unconsciously from inside Ainz’s heart. That was because this demon -- and all the monsters of Nazarick -- were designed in accordance with their image.
755Those voices were probably what the developers or their creators had envisioned for them. In that case, who had come up with the adorable voice that Lip Bugs had before consuming any vocal cords? Or did the whole seiyuu-in-your-mind thing that Peroroncino was talking about really exist?
756No, that was impossible.
757Pandora’s Actor was a good example. He was a being who did not feel like he reflected what his creator had in mind. And then there was the fact that even a being without vocal cords like Ainz could speak. All he could say was that magical worlds were truly astounding.
758“If you’re addressing me in that tone, I take it the surroundings have been swept clean?”
759“Indeed.”
760“Then I will ask you the most important question. Are you prepared to fight with the intent of killing me?”
761“Yes, I was ordered to do so.”
762Ainz nodded as he heard the Evil Lord’s reply.
763One thing that had made Ainz uneasy all this time was a lack of strong opponents to fight.
764After the battle with Shalltear, Ainz had been worrying about not having chances to fight with all his strength.
765After that, he had gained experience in close combat, and he could skilfully move his body as Momon and fight as a warrior of roughly level 33. 
766But how would this body function in higher-level combat?
767He should have conducted combat training against high-level opponents. Unfortunately, he had not encountered such high-level monsters until now.
768That was why he had ordered Demiurge to command the Evil Lord to kill Ainz.
769He would defeat this powerful foe who wanted to kill him, and strengthen himself.
770That had been easier said than done. The two of them had been strongly opposed to the idea and persuading them had taken a lot of time. One could not fault a mentally exhausted Ainz from thinking, “I thought we agreed that my word was law...”
771In the end, after countless concessions and conditions, the stage had been set for this live battle.
772A chill coursed through his body as he thought that he might die. It was a completely different sensation from what he had felt during the battle with Shalltear, because this was an unnecessary battle.
773However--
774While I had a lot of PVP experience in YGGDRASIL, I realised in the battle against Shalltear that this world was not a game. If the time comes when I must face off against a level 100 player with a great deal of real combat experience, I won’t be able to win without an equivalent amount of experience. I have to know that fear is the road to defeat. 
775Ainz was very glad that he was undead and could suppress the fear he might have felt at the prospect of death. If he were still human, he might have curled up into a ball by now.
776“Now then, Yuri,” Ainz said to the maid behind the Evil Lord. “Since you and Lupusregina are here, does that mean you will be fighting me together with the Evil Lord? How about the others?”
777He saw no sign of Solution, Entoma or CZ. They must have been off doing work elsewhere.
778“We are the only two who have come here. We sisters will challenge you together with the Evil Lord of Wrath. The reason is because Albedo-sama feels that allowing the people of this country to witness the maid demons is not a bad thing. In addition, the Evil Lord of Wrath alone might not be enough to satisfy your request, Ainz-sama.”
779It was true that a single level 80ish Evil Lord would be hard-pressed to stand against Ainz. However, even the addition of Yuri and Lupusregina did not make it a very powerful opponent.
780However, unnecessary, troublesome factors can become a disadvantage. Suffering because I underestimated my opponent would be foolish. I’d best stay on my guard.
781“In addition, Albedo-sama ordered us to check something with you, Ainz-sama. Are you really alright with the condition that you will not leave Nazarick for the coming year if you are defeated?”
782“Ah, that was one of the conditions Albedo insisted on before agreeing to this bout. If I lose, I will spend the next year working hard within the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick, with Albedo, in the same room… aren’t you going to check the conditions that Demiurge mentioned?”
783Ainz looked at the Evil Lord, but it said nothing. It probably felt that there was no need to check.
784“Thank you very much.”
785Yuri bowed.
786Now, there would be no room to change the plan. As he thought of how dire the situation was, Ainz could not help but sweat internally.
787It would be easy enough to kill Yuri and the others due to the tremendous disparity in their respective strength, but Ainz Ooal Gown would never allow that. Killing an NPC for the sake of training was utterly ridiculous.
788In other words--
789I have to kill the Evil Lord without harming Yuri and Lupusregina.
790Ainz could not help laughing. This would be one hell of a challenge. Still, there was nothing better for practice.
791“Is something wrong, Ainz-sama?”
792“No, it’s nothing, don’t worry.”
793“Also, Cocytus-sama requested that we record this battle so everyone in Nazarick can learn from it. Do you mind?”
794While he did not want to do so because he felt it was embarrassing, recording battles was very common in YGGDRASIL. With that in mind, he ought to approve that request.
795“Still, recording the battle proceedings will trigger interference from the anti-divination offensive barriers. Shall I lower it?”
796“Surely you mean the divination-detecting spell, do you not, Ainz-sama? And not the linked offensive spell model?”
797“Ah, yes, that’s the one. After all, if it were the latter, it would be bad if someone from Nazarick were trying to find my position and triggered it.”
798If he deployed the linked offensive spell barrier he had so carelessly done in the past, any member of Nazarick trying to cast a divination on Ainz would be very badly hurt. While he used to do that all the time because friendly fire was off, doing so now would be dangerous.
799Of course, the denizens of Nazarick would not be hurt by the offensive barrier, given that they were protected by a World-Class Item, but the defense would incur a cost in gold coins. Rather, expenses like that were more painful for him.
800“Then there’s no need to worry ~su.” 
801“No, I’d best deactivate it. Besides, offensive barriers disappear once they activate and have to be reset. In that case, I might as well just deactivate it from the start and have some peace of mind.”
802“I see ~su, then I’ll leave it to you ~su.”
803Ainz deactivated his offensive barrier.
804“Alright -- then let’s begin the combat recording. Whose point of view are you using? Mine is fine too.”
805“I think I was supposed to do the recording ~su.”
806In truth, Ainz was fine with anything. Anyone’s perspective would have been alright.
807In addition, the memories of sparring with his friends were coming back to him, and Ainz began to enjoy himself.
808Simulated battles with his friends were a fundamental part of devising new techniques and weapons.
809He had often sparred with Touch Me, but those battles did not count and had not been entered in Ainz’s PVP record.
810Since Ainz had never won even once, his win rate would have dropped if they had been recorded. He had never taken it seriously, simply treating it as “training” since he knew he could not win. Ainz always emphasized that.
811“Shall we begin, then? You need to prepare yourself to kill me. Of course, I won’t kill you.”
812“No, actually, it’s alright if you kill us.”
813Before Ainz could say that he did not want to do so, Yuri stated the reason.
814“Ainz-sama, we are not the actual members of the Pleiades. All of us are Greater Doppelgangers.”
815“W-what?”
816“We are musicians of the Erich String Orchestra under Chacmool-sama of the Five Worsts. By Albedo-sama’s order, we have transformed into members of the Pleiades.”
817“--Is that so?”
818He looked at them several more times, but Ainz could not tell the difference between them and the Yuri and Lupusregina which he knew. He could not help but wonder if this was a lie they were telling so he could kill them without worries during the fight.
819Perhaps one of them was fake. He had once heard that the best lies were those that were truths blended with some small falsehoods.
820Ainz could not see through the Greater Doppelgangers’ disguise. There was a spell that could dispel the Greater Doppelgangers’ shapeshifting, but using that spell would keep them from transforming again for a period of time due to the spell’s effect. In that case, having them transform into the Pleiades would be meaningless. It would be a different matter if Ainz had learned lower-tier spells but--
821No--
822“Hm, it does seem like Lupusregina is speaking differently from normal. What’s going on?”
823Lupusregina’s face went blank for a moment.
824“Is that strange, Ainz-sama?”
825The Greater Doppelganger pretending to be Lupusregina changed its way of speaking. That was probably its usual speech pattern.”
826“Ah, those aren’t the usual expressions she uses.”
827“But Lupusregina-sama always spoke like that in front of us…”
828When a Doppelganger impersonated someone, people closer to the target would find it more difficult to see through their disguise. That was because they used a form of telepathy during their shapeshifting to read the surface thoughts of the people they were speaking to and those around them in order to extract information related to the target they were impersonating and then apply it to their impersonation act -- at least, that was what the monster encyclopedia said.
829That was according to Pandora’s Actor, whose ability had become real in this world.
830However, that was simply to discern the possible reactions that the impersonated subject might have, and it did not read minds or search through memories.
831In addition, since this ability was a form of psychic attack, it was useless on Ainz and other undead creatures. One could also simply resist it if the level difference was great enough. That was probably why it could not discern Lupusregina’s possible reactions from Ainz and had revealed itself. 
832Incidentally, it was more likely that Doppelgangers would out themselves when facing multiple people, because each of them would have a different impression of the target.
833Umu. Why did Lupu always add a ~su at the end of her sentences in front of them? Ahh, I see, so it was to make them sound disturbing. Perhaps she was trying to help me. What a cute little rascal she is...
834“...Hm? My apologies. I have another question that is unrelated to combat. While that is Albedo’s order, if I were to tell you to abandon that order, who would have priority?
835“Naturally, your words would have priority, Ainz-sama. However, I must sincerely apologize that we will obey orders from our summoner, Anyami Shirabe-sama, above all else.”
836“...Hm? Who’s that?”
837Was there an NPC like that? As the question grew in his heart, the flames in Ainz’s eyes flared as he heard Yuri’s answer.
838“That would be Temperance-sama.”
839“Eh? Temperance-san? Anyami? Ahhh… well, that does work as a physical description… but still, Anyami Shirabe?”
840“Yes. Temperance-sama once asked to be addressed that way, so Chacmool-sama instructed us to do so as well.”
841“...After I return to Nazarick, I would like to hear all about this. Anyami Shirabe, is it.”
842This was the first time he had ever heard him refer to himself that way.
843Ainz could not help laughing as he learned that a former friend had referred to himself that way in a place where nobody else knew. This was truly a cunning trap, set to decrease his fighting spirit.
844Ahh, no, no. I mustn’t fall for Anyami Shirabe’s trap! Ku, kuku...
845Though he knew it was not the right time to do so, he recalled the guild member in question.
846How had he looked and felt when he had given that name?
847Ainz narrowed his eyes as he reminisced about his friend from the past, and then he saw a surprised look on the face of the Yuri-Doppelganger as it tilted its head. Ainz sensed that he had become careless and pulled himself together.
848He could remember his old friends later. Right now, he ought to analyze the Doppelganger’s speech.
849After this, I’d like to question all the vassals and NPCs about the secrets they’ve been hiding. Kukuku -- in that case, another question popped up.
850In the absence of a direct order, vassals like Doppelgangers would obey the NPC in charge of them. In that case, what would happen if a certain NPC wanted to kill Ainz and gathered many high-level vassals and ordered them to attack Ainz with their strongest moves? Of course, this would be happening while Ainz was unable to detect or stop them.
851Would they carry out that order? Or would they refuse orders like that?
852“...You’re also ready to come at me like you want to kill me, is that it?”
853“Yes. Those are the orders I have received, and I have determined that I also have your permission, Ainz-sama.”
854The Yuri-Doppelganger’s answer made Ainz wrinkle his -- nonexistent -- brows.
855...Isn’t this dangerous? It’s probably best to see exactly where the boundary lies here.
856If even Ainz could think of this, then Albedo had most likely inspected it herself, Still, he ought to make sure, just in case. He could not let a safety loophole sit unfilled.
857“...Indeed. I permit you to use your full abilities to kill me in this battle. Then swear on the name of Ainz Ooal Gown once more. Can you swear that what you said about your true identities just now was the truth?”
858“Yes. This we do swear, upon the names of all the Supreme Beings.”
859Yuri and Lupusregina transformed their hands into alien-looking objects.
860“--Ah!”
861“What? What is it, Doppel-Yuri?”
862“Ainz-sama, there is one thing I forgot. Our equipment was borrowed from the Pleiades. Therefore, can we trouble you to recover them for us if we are killed?”
863Doppelgangers could even copy the clothing and equipment of their targets if they wanted to. However, they could only duplicate appearances, and not the equipment’s abilities. Since they would gain no benefits from the gear, when fighting a magic caster like Ainz, the difference between them would be like that between heaven and earth. Therefore, they had no choice but to borrow the real thing from the originals.
864Greater Doppelgangers can imitate people of up to level 60. However, unlike the NPCs, they can only copy up to 90% of the originals’ abilities. Even if they possess gear from the Pleiades, there’s no need to be worried… is there? In that case, killing them would be too much of a waste. After all, they’re mercenary vassals, which means summoning them cost money -- as I thought, I should just remove their ability to fight. Do I need to put that into the rules after all?
865“Alright! I will add one more rule. Once you Greater Doppelgangers are near death, you are out. I will monitor your health with [Life Essence]. You can hide your HP totals, right?” After Yuri replied in the affirmative, Ainz nodded. “Then suppress that ability for a while. If I judge that you’ll die after a light hit, I will call your name and rule you out. In that case, you will count as dead. Leave the battle area immediately. In addition, the same thing applies to the Evil Lord of Wrath. If I declare victory, the combat will end. Do you understand?”
866The Evil  Lord of Wrath and the two Doppelgangers indicated that they understood.
867“Very well. Then we’ll start when the coin hits the ground… about 25 minutes has passed, so I guess they won’t complain even if we start.”
868Ainz cast [Life Essence] and then took out a gold coin. Of course, this was not a YGGDRASIL gold coin, but a trading gold coin used in this world.
869“Will you not buff yourself?”
870“Ensuring you have time to buff up is also part of combat training.”
871After replying thus to Doppel-Lupusregina, Ainz backed away from them, then flicked the coin up with his thumb so it landed between the two of them.
872As the coin hit the ground, Ainz jumped back, then threw his hands out and shouted:
873“Absolute Immunity Barrier!”
874He saw the Evil Lord and the two Doppelgangers freeze up for a moment. However, the Evil Lord and Doppel-Yuri immediately rushed in.
875That was it. That was the right answer. 
876Ainz’s previous actions were meaningless. There was no ability called Absolute Immunity Barrier in YGGDRASIL -- or at least, there should not have been, was far as Ainz knew. Still, Ainz had shouted that name not simply to fake them out, but also for a different reason.
877Ah-- it feels like they’re a little slow. Could it be that they think something was done to them and they’ve become a little timid now? Well, that’s what happens when you wonder if you’ve fallen into the enemy’s trap.
878The uneasiness that came from the fact that such a technique might actually exist in this world restricted their movements. One could say that this feint had succeeded because there were still unknown things out there.
879Of course, that  was not simply because of the unknown. Special abilities like the kind that were innate to Ainz were a good example.
880During YGGDRASIL, there was no such thing as using a corpse as a medium to ignore the duration on created undead. This aberration had only sprung up after coming to this world. One could imagine that there were many other such changes that had happened in the process of coming to this world from the game. No, only a fool would think no such thing had happened.
881In other words, making decisions with YGGDRASIL knowledge alone was very dangerous.
882I ought to discuss this with Albedo… and the others, Cocytus included.
883Ainz cast a silent [Fly] spell and began thinking as he retreated to the rear while keeping a fixed distance from his pursuers.
884Albedo said that it would take about two years of preparation before destroying the Kingdom. Should I collect information until then? Expanding one’s nation means expanding the area that will be in contact with the outside...
885I ought to throw these questions at Albedo and Demiurge and get their opinions. Hm -- illusions seem to be surprisingly powerful, it might be very bad if we don’t watch out for them. It feels like you could do a lot with them if you were smart. If I meet a skilled illusionist, I should probably treat them well to recruit them. Fluder -- whoa!
886The Evil Lord had outpaced Ainz’s [Fly] spell on foot. Unfortunately, flying was not that fast.
887“!”
888After taking the Evil Lord’s maul-like fist, Ainz felt pain -- though it was immediately suppressed. Though he had felt the same way during the fight with Shalltear, he was once against thankful for this body of his that could even suppress his pain. It was thanks to it that Ainz could fight.
889After that, the Evil Lord pursued Ainz -- who had been knocked flying -- and closed the distance to him.
890To Ainz, this was the worst possible thing they could have done.
891Yuri’s circled around behind me. They’re using a pincer attack of two people who can do bludgeoning damage, which is my weakness. Meanwhile, Lupusregina’s keeping her distance and casting spells…  hm, that’s a buff. Good grief, this is the best way to deal with magic casters. Is this because of the Evil Lord’s combat AI? Or is it because it’s choosing moves from the mind of its summoner, Demiurge? Ah, never mind.
892If they would not let him keep his distance, then he would make his own space.
893“[Greater Teleportation].”
894His field of vision immediately opened up, and the city spread below him. Under normal circumstances, he would not have been able to teleport to an unknown destination, but it would be alright as long as it was within line of sight. Having teleported 1 kilometer above the ground without any hesitation whatsoever, Ainz cast a spell. It was [Body of Effulgent Beryl].
895This spell was exceptionally effective because Yuri and the Evil Lord both did bludgeoning damage.
896As he muttered, “Of course, that’s not all”, Ainz looked to the ground. “...If Bukubukuchagama-san or Variable Talisman-san were here, the backliners wouldn’t be getting beaten up.”
897When playing as a party, skilled aggro managers like tanks would not make mistakes like allowing the magic casters in the backline to be attacked.
898During the time when they had stopped playing the game -- when he had gone out to earn the money to pay for Nazarick’s upkeep by himself, he had used mercenary NPCs to allow him to act with impunity. The only time he had truly fought alone was the battle with Shalltear. Perhaps that was why he could not help complaining.
899It had been a while, so he had no idea where the Evil Lord was, but he had a rough idea of where the square was. While carpetbombing the location with attack spells was a valid tactic, that would be pointless. One could say that the objective this time round was to win in a full-powered contest with the opposition.
900“[Widen Magic Delay Teleportation]!”
901Come to think of it, I used to get pissed off by the mercenary NPCs’ poor management of aggro. That was probably the devs’ way of saying “please group up with other players” or something.
902He then confirmed that there was something large that was going to teleport above him, within the area of the [Delay Teleportation] spell -- the Evil Lord.  Thanks to the effect of the [Delay Teleportation], it would take a while before it appeared in the real world. In other words, it meant that these two weak enemies which had lost their strongest shield were completely exposed before him.
903In order to weaken the enemy’s fighting strength, he ought to defeat the weaker two first. Ainz let gravity claim him, and then accelerated further with [Fly].
904The added speed of the freefall meant that he was moving quite fast. The air struck Ainz’s face and flowed past him. At the same time, Ainz opened his eyes and observed the square.
905“Though I think hiding in a house would have been better…”
906Ainz muttered quietly and then selected Lupusregina -- who was proudly standing in the middle of the square -- as his target.
907Yuri was some distance away. While she could see him, she did not look like she was prepared to intercept him. Leaving a healer alone was quite frustrating, but Yuri had made the right decision considering that she had to be wary of area-effect spells,.
908Ainz ground to a halt -- in truth, Ainz would not have been hurt even if he had crashed straight into the ground -- and cast his spell.
909Ainz chose one of the most destructive tenth-tier spells in his arsenal. At the same time, he used a special ability to maximize the spell. While he could have tripled the spell or something similar to do a great deal of damage, it would be very dangerous while he did not know how much damage the Doppelgangers had taken. He had to avoid the dangerous possibility that he might kill them by accident.
910“[Maximize Magic--]”
911As he raised his hand, his hand was struck and damaged, and the spell fizzled. The mana spent on casting the spell was wasted.
912What? Interfering with a spell through a ranged attack? Is it some kind of special ability?
913Perhaps it was because he was undead, or because he was a veteran player, but his confusion only lasted for a moment. Ainz immediately analyzed the attack he had received.
914Neither the Evil Lord nor Yuri nor Lupusregina possessed abilities like this.
915Perhaps it’s the World-Clas Item holder who brainwashed Shalltear--
916To think the Hanzos missed him--
917And if it was a ranged weapon user--
918If it was her, she could use a special ability to interfere with spell--
919“--I fell for it!”
920Ainz shouted as he found the answer.
921Although Yuri closed in and delivered a punch, Ainz had already enhanced his defense with a spell, so he did not need to be so wary of her. After all, there was something more important than that.
922The whole thing was a trap from the start! No, Yuri -- I see! “Here” was referring to the square! That was why the Hanzos said “the Pleiades” were present! Dammit! I was wondering why they said “all of us” when it was just the two of them!”
923All the points of data made a beautiful line.
924CZ was attacking now. 
925It was not just Yuri and Lupusregina who were present. CZ was also on the battlefield. In all likelihood, Solution and Entoma were here too. All the Doppel-Pleiades were present in the city.
926No, no, I need to calm down. Doppel-CZ was just lucky. It was easy enough for me to resist that because of the level difference between us. She won’t be so lucky -- well, unlucky for me -- next time.
927“[Greater Word of Curse]!”
928The Evil Lord has finally caught up and he cast a spell, but Ainz resisted it without any problems. It was only threatening in close combat, so all he had to do was keep his distance.
929Ainz ignored the Evil Lord above him and ignored Yuri, who had only done minimal damage to him from the start. He lunged straight at Lupusregina.
930In that moment--
931Countless Bullet Bugs flew over from the side. There was no doubt that it was Entoma.
932He did not even need to use his High-Tier Physical Immunity to stop it. That was because non-magical ranged attacks could not harm Ainz.
933Perhaps it was a weapon carried by the Pleiades, Ainz’s immunity would have been defeated thanks to the massive amount of data within them. The best example of that was CZ and Yuri’s attacks from just now. However, certain skills were calculated based on the user’s level. Entoma was a prime example, since she possessed many of these user level-based attacks.
934Entoma was only around level 50, so her attacks did not bother Ainz at all. In addition, if all damage from an attack was nullified, none of the rider effects would take place either.
935Therefore, he could ignore it.
936Ainz did not even spare Entoma a glance as he moved in to finish off the healer, but just then, Solution erupted from her ambush point in front of Lupusregina. It would have been a futile gesture if she was facing an area-effect attack, but that was the only way to protect the healer.
937However, Solution had made a fatal mistake. Ainz was a magic caster and did not need to close to attack. All he needed to do was cast attack spells from a distance. He had to think about why she would charge out from in front of Lupusregina.
938Ainz had only one aim.
939He wanted to expose the enemy and reveal whatever card they had up their sleeve.
940Narberal’s not around?
941He did not understand. She was not among the maid demons who had attacked the Royal Capital. However, one could not rule her out if all the Pleiades were present. It was possible that they were saving their ace in the hole for the last moment. Still, since he knew what kind of hand the opposition had, there was no reason to continue fighting in the middle of the enemy.
942“[Greater Teleportation].”
943CZ did not interrupt his spell, and he managed to teleport under a roof within line of sight.
944I need to remember what Yuri and the others can do. Who should I kill first? --Lupusregina, the healer. While I need to be very careful of CZ… I have no idea where she is… so I’ll let the others go first. The Evil Lord will take the most time, so I’ll save him for last.
945He saw Lupusregina casting a spell on Solution. Had they not pursued Ainz because drawing out the battle was not a problem for them? No, it was because they understood that since Ainz could move at will with [Greater Teleportation], they could be easily scattered and individually defeated. After all, Ainz was hoping for that too.
946It did not matter if they saw through him.
947All he had to do was worry them with ranged spells and then take them out one by one. While CZ the ranged combat specialist was present, she would eventually expose herself if she attacked continuously. Therefore, she would only attack at critical moments. In that case, she would not be so frightening. Or rather--
948“I didn’t see her, so let me guess, you’re standing in for Narberal.”
949Ainz muttered to himself as he watched the Evil Lord land.
950“Haha, you’ve become fat, Narberal. Shall we call you Gorillal now? And your element’s changed greatly too. Well -- this is interesting. If the Doppel-Pleiades are my opponents--” Ainz flourished his cape. Of course, there was no meaning to it; he simply wanted to show off in a kingly way. “Then I ought to get a little serious.”
951Don’t die~
952“[Twin Maximize Magic Re--”
953Just as Ainz was about to cast a spell at Lupusregina, another bullet hit Ainz’s arms and interrupted his spell.
954“--Hah?”
955Impossible.
956Even if she had succeeded once by luck, she could not have interrupted his spell twice in a row. CZ was far lower level than Ainz.
957Could he have been unlucky enough to fail his resistance check twice in a row? How unlikely were those odds? Or perhaps this was not bad luck, but certainty -- for instance, if his opponent was not CZ at all?
958The Evil Lord of Wrath spread his fiery wings and closed in on Ainz. Yuri came in from the right, and Entoma flew in from the left in a roundabout fashion.
959What’s going on? Why is this happening? Is this some change that occurred after coming to this world? Or did Garnet-san give CZ something? Or is it not CZ? What did Yuri say just now? They’re sisters, but they’re Doppel… Pando--ahhhh!
960The Evil Lord had closed the distance and then cocked his hand back, preparing to deliver a haymaker.
961Dammit! I hate people like that who just rush straight in and start punching! If you’re a substitute for Narberal than attack with magic! You damn Gorrilal!
962Well, if he had really cast a spell on him he would have resisted it, so it would have been boring anyway.
963Ainz did not hesitate; he stepped in before his enemy could fully close the distance.
964The Evil Lord had guessed that Ainz would flee, so his movements slowed by a beat. Behind him was Yuri, who was probably planning to completely surround Ainz with the Evil Lord.
965The strike from the flaming fist -- was a feint, which was why Ainz had managed to evade it by stepping into the range of the blow.
966A pure mage had evaded the attack of a warrior-type monster.
967While he thought that this would be impossible if he were a YGGDRASIL player, this was not due to luck. As mentioned before, the Evil Lord had not expected Ainz to step into the attack, so he had not used his full force. And then there was another point, which was that this was the result of his training.
968Ainz had practiced this method of evading his opponent by closing in with them several hundred times with Cocytus. About one in every ten times, if Cocytus was not attacking in earliest, he could completely slip past an attack.
969Cocytus did say that a good warrior would never make such incredibly flashy and telegraphed attacks, so I shouldn’t get careless… but it’s pretty useful in an actual fight, isn’t it?
970And so, Ainz placed his bony hand on the Evil Lord’s sturdy chest.
971And then he cast a touch spell.
972While most spells had an effective range, some spells had a range that was practically zero. Such spells needed direct contact with the target to be cast, so only people with levels in spellcaster and warrior classes could use them well. It was because they were so inconvenient that they were more powerful than spells of a similar tier, being roughly a tier more effective, 
973Ainz used an eighth-tier spell from his specialty of necromancy, [Energy Drain]. It was a spell that drained the opponent’s levels and granted various benefits depending on the amount of levels drained. Naturally, this spell had also been maximized.
974He beat the Evil Lord’s spell resistance and drained his levels. Thanks to that, he recovered almost all the damage Yuri had inflicted. That said, that was about as much as that spell could do in the way of healing.
975Ainz’s parameters were all temporarily enhanced, and he received a special buff which would fade in a short time. On the other hand, the Evil Lord had received a level down debuff which could not be removed by the passage of time as thanks.
976This time, the Evil Lord backed away.
977His wrathful visage was tinted by something else.
978Was it surprise, or was it admiration?
979Ainz wanted to praise himself for successfully evading that blow too. That said, he had managed it because his opposition had been far too cocky. Just like how a magic trick became boring once you pointed out the gimmick, this move would probably not work a second time.
980“Well, however good a plan is, only an idiot would use it more than once. Isn’t that right -- Pleiades! Aureole Omega!”
981That was how it was.
982He was fighting five Doppelgangers, the Evil Lord of Wrath and a level 100 NPC.
983Is Albedo trying to make me lose? I didn’t think she’s even use Aureole.
984Aureole Omega was the lastborn of the Pleiades Seven Sisters. She was an Area Guardian of the 8th Floor and a level 100 NPC specialized in commander-type classes. As a commander, she could issue orders which buffed her allies. CZ must have been able to beat their level difference thanks to that.
985While he had no idea what kind of special ability Aureole had used, if one looked at party roles such as physical attacker, magical attacker, healer and so on, then she would be a wild card -- an allrounder. It was hardly strange that she would be able to do anything.
986What exactly could Punitto Moe-san do?
987Ainz never went head to head with his opponents during PVP< so Ainz had little experience in dealing with commander-type opponents.
988She could not have left the 8th Floor and come here without my permission. That would mean that she must have buffed the Doppelgangers before they came here. That would mean she probably didn’t buff them too carefully - or no, is there a Doppegnger of Aureole here? 
989--No. There was no time to think about such pointless things. Only one thing mattered. Could they completely shut down Ainz’s spellcasting, and could they keep it up forever?
990There were two kinds of special abilities in YGGDRASIL. One kind had a cooldown period after use. The other had a limited period of uses within a certain period. There were also combinations of the two.
991In general, the more powerful the ability, the longer the cooldown or the fewer times it could be used. Ainz’s trump card of [The Goal Of All Life Is Death] that could only be used once every 100 hours was just such an ability.
992In that case, which type did CZ’s ability to interrupt Ainz’s spellcasting belong to?
993That move just now was very handy, but it did not seem to have a long cooldown time. That would mean it was the use-limited type.
994However, he could not tell how long it would take for her to recover her uses. All he could do was hope that she could not recover them during the course of the battle after they were depleted.
995--Though I think I ought to save my tenth-tier spells for when they’ve been depleted...
996Ainz quickly verified the positions of the Pleiades and the Evil Lord. The Evil Lord was in front of him. Yuri was behind him -- and preparing to slug Ainz. While her ki-enhanced attacks could even shatter steel, they were little impediment in the face of Ainz’s levels. After reconfirming that the Evil Lord would soon be a threat, he turned his attention to the others.
997Entoma was inside a house on the left side of the square. Lupusregina was in the square. Solution stood in front of her, like she was protecting her. CZ’s location was unknown.
998While not knowing a sniper’s position was the worst possible scenario, the fact that the enemy was now dispersed was the best case for him.
999Ainz snorted.
1000Though he knew that now was hardly a time to laugh, he could not resist the mirth welling up inside him.
1001Now this is interesting!
1002“Alright, now get out of my face. [Maximize Magic Nuclear Blast]!”
1003“!”
1004Before Ainz’s eyes, the space between him and the Evil Lord flashed and swelled, consuming everything in an instant. Yuri was surprised, but that was only to be expected, because Ainz had been caught in it as well.
1005Using the ninth-tier spell [Nuclear Blast] as an attack was a questionable choice. It did composite damage -- half fire, half bludgeoning -- and it was one of the weaker 9th-tier spells in terms of damage.
1006Considering the Evil Lord of Wrath was immune to fire, this spell should not have even been considered for use. Even so, Ainz had his reasons for using this spell.
1007First of all, it had a very large area of effect. In that respect, this spell was superior to almost all others. In addition, this spell also generated all kinds of negative status effects such as poisoning, blindness, deafness, and so on. Anything of the Evil Lord’s level would be able to resist it with their raw statistics alone. The Pleiades ought to have countermeasures against all these effects. The main reason he had chosen this spell was because it also possessed a very powerful knockback effect.
1008Of course, Ainz would also be damaged by this spell. While friendly fire was off in YGGDRASIL and so using a spell this recklessly would not be a problem, right now he would be hurting himself. Even if his magical defense was very high, there was no need for him to go out of the way to take damage to cast his spell. Rather than act like a suicide bomber, he ought to have chosen another spell. 
1009However, Ainz had it all worked out.
1010If he expended the [Body of Effulgent Beryl] spell to stop all the bludgeoning damage, the fire-elemental damage would also be negated, which would mean he would not be harmed. In addition, all those negative statuses were ineffective on the undead.
1011In other words, Ainz was undamaged by the spell.
1012Since he had completely resisted its damage, the knockback did not take effect either, and so Ainz was the only one left standing in the heart of the explosion.
1013“Hahah.”
1014Ainz laughed. The feeling of everything going as planned was very refreshing, after all.
1015Ainzs’ aim was to send the enemy flying and tear the enemy formation to shreds. 
1016For a moment, Ainz briefly saw the guild members who had taught him various things -- including this tactic.
1017Both the earlier simulated battle but even this battle where failure meant death reminded Ainz of YGGDRASIL, and made him strangely happy.
1018I wondered about this before, but I don’t think I’m a battle maniac...
1019“Come, it’s not over yet. The battle’s just beginning. I’ll show you the strength that I trained with everyone.
1020Unleashing the fury of that 9th-tier spell meant that the surrounding buildings had all been swept away, and there was much more space all of a sudden.
1021That could not be helped. After all, this city had outlived its usefulness.
1022However, he could have widened the spell to try and catch CZ in the blast. However, Ainz was worried about the problems that might result from destroying too much of the city, hence this method. For all he knew, it might have been a mistake.
1023Forget it, let’s leave it at that. What’s left is--
1024Ainz looked in Lupusregina’s direction. The enemy envelopment was in shambles.
1025Even with Aureole’s buffs, they could not avoid the knockback, and Ainz could see the enemy hurriedly getting to their feet.
1026“That’s about all the damage [Nuclear Blast] ought to be able to do, so--”
1027Ainz flew towards Lupusregina and cast [Reality Slash].
1028This time, he was not interrupted by CZ, and Lupusregina’s body fountained blood.
1029“[Widen Magic Sharks Cyclone].”
1030An extra-large cyclone came into existence behind him, swallowing up Yuri and the Evil Lord. This was both to obscure Yuri and the Evil Lord’s vision and also to buy Ainz time. In truth, Ainz had planned to create a cyclone before the [Nuclear Blast] to block their vision and then get rid of Yuri first, but after considering that the Evil Lord could probably break out of the spell easily he decided not to go with that plan. Instead, he had decided to use it when the enemy was confused.
1031There was the sound of rolling stones as Ainz saw Entoma push a pillar off herself as she rose to her feet.
1032He had no idea where CZ was even now. Ideally, she would be pinned under a fallen house.
1033“He’s coming here! Stop him!”
1034Solution shouted from her place in front of Lupusregina, but her voice could not reach the ears of Yuri and the Evil Lord, who were inside the cyclone. In particular, Yuri was shifting desperately within the cyclone to avoid being blown away. While certain classes could use spells or special abilities to teleport or go incorporeal and thus escape the cyclone easily, she did not seem to possess such an ability.
1035And that would mean Yuri had focused on strengthening other things--
1036After reviewing this battle, they ought to understand what gear they need to have and what preparations they need to make, right? No, that’s not it...
1037If they were the true Pleiades, they might have been able to deal with this this better. They were simply Doppelgangers copying the Pleiades’ abilities, after all. It only made sense that they would lose out to the real deal in terms of combat skills.
1038As Ainz closed the distance and prepared to cast [Reality Slash], bugs fell from the sky one after the other. They were large transport insects with no combat ability. The objective of this action was simply to block Ainz’ line of sight.
1039Such a use would not be possible in YGGDRASIL. Even so, Entoma -- though actually a Doppelganger -- could use them in this way. Ainz gave thanks in his heart as he incanted a spell.
1040“[Greater Teleportation].”
1041After teleporting into the air and avoiding the rain of bugs, Ainz cast [Double Maximize Magic Reality Slash].
1042Even if CZ had Ainz in his sights, the fact that her target had suddenly teleported into the air meant that she would lose him. After all, the weakness of the humanoid body was its inability to follow sudden up and down movement with the eyes.
1043That said, if he were facing an experienced sharpshooter like Peroroncino, for example, they would be able to anticipate their opponent’s movements, even in the vertical plane. Therefore, it was possible that one could not even escape with teleportation magic,
1044Peroroncino-san’s aiming would have been like locking on to his target… CZ, you need to work hard to get on his level...
1045As he basked in the nostalgia, Ainz shouted:
1046“Lupusregina, out!”
1047Having to fight while keeping an eye on the HP of his opponents was very difficult. One could even call it a handicap. Therefore, if he was asked if Lupusregina’s HP was really depleted, Ainz could not reply with any confidence. Even so, he had to avoid any chance of killing Lupusregina because of a moment’s carelessness.
1048She’s a Doppelganger, so not only is she weaker than the original, but her HP isn’t the same as the original Lupusregina’s. Alright, now that I’ve taken out the enemy’s magic caster, it’s time to be a real bastard. [Perfect Unknowable].”
1049While there were ways to discover Ainz after he had cast [Perfect Unknowable], without the aid of magic items, the only member of the Pleiades who could do it was Lupusregina, and the Evil Lord ought to be unable to detect him too. Therefore, it would probably be safe to say that they had no way to deal with this underhanded means of attack.
1050Since I’ve taken out the enemy healer, I should go search for CZ. Don’t tell me she’s burning up consumable items?
1051Personally, Ainz could not forgive wasting the wealth of Nazarick on a battle like this.
1052“Where is he?”
1053“He’s gone! Is he using [Invisibility]?”
1054“I can find him if he’s invisible! But he’s not there!”
1055“Is this some other kind of invisibility?”
1056He could hear their confusion.
1057“You Narberals! He’s using [Perfect Unknowable]!”
1058“Lupusregina! You’re cheating!” Ainz shouted, but thanks to [Perfect Unknowable], others could not hear him.
1059Ainz scratched his head.
1060The Evil Lord and Yuri seemed to have broken out of the cyclone, and they were now looking all around for Ainz. While the best option would have been to drop another [Nuclear Blast] on them, that might end up killing Lupusregina, so Ainz abandoned that notion. Instead, he descended and kept tabs on Yuri’s position at the same time. After that, he compared the amount of HP Yuri was missing to that of the others, and verified that she had taken fire damage from the earlier magical attack--
1061“[Triplet Maximize Magic Vermilion Nova]!”
1062Ainz used the highest-level -- super-tier magic notwithstanding -- anti-personnel fire-element attack spell on Yuri.
1063It was only to be expected that there would be tenth-tier spells that could do fire-element damage.
1064For instance, [Stream of Lava], [Uriel], and the like. However, the use of both of them presented problems for Ainz.
1065First off, [Stream of Lava] was a divine spell which only a druid like Mare could cast. Therefore, Ainz could not cast it. [Uriel], on the other hand, was a spell that could be learned by a magic caster of any type as long as the requirements to learn it were met, but it only did its listed damage when cast by a magic caster with a maxed-out positive karma value. Its damage decreased as one’s karma value decreased, and for someone like Ainz, it would do less damage than a first-tier spell.
1066Therefore, this spell was Ainz’s only choice when it came to handiness.
1067Yuri’s health dropped drastically.
1068“[Perfect Unknowable].”
1069“He disappeared again!”
1070“He can’t keep getting away with this!”
1071“If only Ainz-sama would fight us fair and square!”
1072No, no, you’re in the wrong for not even thinking of a way around this.
1073“And besides, I have no idea where CZ is! You three never said anything about who was taking part in this battle! Now who’s being treacherous!?”
1074Ainz shouted, even though he knew the opposition could not hear him.
1075After coming to his senses, the Evil Lord charged at the place Ainz had been.
1076“Too bad, I’m not there anymore~”
1077Ainz had begun moving, so he was not there anymore, However, he would still be within the area of effect if the Evil Lord decided to cast area-attack spells, but just as Ainz thought that, the Evil Lord suddenly changed direction and came straight at Ainz.
1078“Hah?”
1079Was he not invisible? That question was soon pounded out of existence by the pain he felt.
1080The Evil Lord sent Ainz flying back. Since he was much more serious than just now, Ainz found it hard to defend against or evade the attack. No, Ainz had been too relaxed -- he had not even thought of evading.
1081Fortunately, the [Fly] spell helped control his posture and spared him the ignominy of rolling across the ground. It was just like how it had been in the Shalltear battle.
1082The Evil Lord jumped over, hot on Ainz’s heels, and his line of sight was most definitely tracking Ainz’s flight path.
1083...The Evil Lord of Wrath shouldn’t have the ability to see through it… Ah, he used it! His trump card, [Soul-Bought Miracle]!”
1084Inspired by stories of selling one’s soul to the devil to fulfil one’s wishes, this ability was truly miraculous. While he was not sure how the procedure worked, once one used this ability, one could use any one spell of under the 8th tier once.
1085Normally, when Evil Lords used this ability, they would almost always use healing spells -- that was an unwritten rule. However, this time he had probably used a spell to see through [Perfect Unknowable]
1086Ainz silently gave thanks that the Evil Lord had used the ability of which he was the most wary even as he felt the pressing need to formulate a new battle plan.
1087As the Evil Lord closed in and punched him again, Ainz began to get worried.
1088While there was quite a large level difference between the two and he still had some room for laxity, he could not simply allow himself to continue getting beaten up like this.
1089“Cheh. Here, have some back. [Triplet Maximize Magic Call Greater Thunder].”
1090High-level demons had very high elemental resistances. While their exact resistance varied between type, electricity was one of the more effective energy types. After taking three hits of a maximized elemental attack spell, the Evil Lord’s body trembled.
1091Ainz cast another spell.
1092“[Perfect Unknowable].”
1093“Cheeeeeap! Ainz-sama, you’re so cheeeeeeap!”
1094“Ahhh, seriously!”
1095Entoma was literally hopping mad, while Lupusregina was rolling around on the ground. Solution was the only one who was surveying her surroundings with a razor-sharp gaze.
1096In theory, each individual mercenary vassal should have been identical, yet they had developed divergent personalities like this. Was it because they had copied the relationships between the members of the Pleiades? Or had their personalities changed over time? The Evil Lord before Ainz followed his movements closely and shouted:
1097“Here! Use area attacks here, hit me with it too!”
1098Entoma breathed a black cloud from her mouth. It was her trump card, her fly breath.
1099However, it was useless against Ainz, because that move did piercing damage. In addition, Ainz was a skeleton; what would the flies eat? In the end, it only served to annoy the Evil Lord.
1100“Hey! It didn’t work on him! It only works on me!”
1101“Eh!?”
1102Being able to copy an ability and use it well were two different things altogether. Surely the real Entoma would not have made such an amateur mistake.
1103“I don’t have any area-effect attacks, how about you, Yuri-nee?”
1104“I’ve got this!”
1105Yuri gathered light between her palms.
1106The Kibakushou was a technique that acted as an anti-individual attack when it touched the enemy, but which became a spreading shockwave if it did not make contact. Naturally, as an attack intended for direct contact, it became very weak when used as a spread effect. Since monks were a class focused on fighting individuals, they had very few area-effect attacks -- practically none, in fact -- therefore one could say that it was completely useless.
1107“There! He moved!”
1108“Here?”
1109Yuri launched her area Kibakushou at the location where Ainz had been. Ainz wrinkled his brow -- despite having no brow -- as he saw this and reached a hand out.
1110“...No, no, you should have prioritized healing.”
1111Yuri could have healed herself with her qigong. 
1112After making his jab at Yuri, Ainz cast his spell. Needless to say, it was a spell that he already knew to be effective.
1113“[Double Maximize Magic Vermilion Nova].”
1114Having cast an attack spell, Ainz came into view. He looked at Yuri, who was wreathed in flames, and made a cold pronouncement.
1115“Yuri, out -- [Perfect Unknowable].”
1116Now then, things will get bad if I don’t find CZ. Having made that decision, Ainz began making a big detour as he kept an eye on the Evil Lord.
1117Many people stood on the city walls with Neia, watching the battle unfold.
1118While many people of them were had been swayed to the Sorcerer King’s side after being rescued by him, they were not the only ones here.
1119There were priests and paladins here as well. Neia could not see Remedios from where she was standing, but she was close enough that Neia could hear her speak.
1120The only members of the command staff who were not here were Gustav and Caspond.
1121Everyone watching the battle was silent -- no, it was simply because there were no words to describe the battle.
1122They should have known this.
1123The members of Blue Rose had said that Jaldabaoth’s difficulty rating was above 200. In other words, this was like fighting a huge dragon in the form of a human. Just fighting said battle in the land of men would lead to a great tragedy.
1124They ought to have been grateful that only a single city district was destroyed. Many houses were on fire and white plumes of smoke reached to the sky, but the total casualties were almost nil.
1125While watching the battle, she had seen  cyclones, blazes, strokes of lightning and other tremendous manifestations of power that were beyond man’s knowledge running wild. Each of these discharges of energy could have easily taken countless lives.
1126Especially--
1127“It’s beautiful…”
1128What had truly moved Neia’s heart was the ball of white light that she had seen twice.
1129It was power which consumed everything and made it disappear without a trace. It felt like something good to Neia, although she could not confirm whether it was truly the work of divine might. The incredible devastation she saw in the wake of the light’s disappearance frightened her, but her admiration of its great power had won out in the end.
1130It seems the fighting is still going on. I can’t believe the battle still isn’t over after using all those spells… Jaldabaoth is really strong.
1131She had heard about it, and she had even seen it with her own eyes. Yet, Neia’s thinking had still been too naive. That naivete was now thoroughly eradicated.
1132The king she served -- though only temporarily, and only within the Holy Kingdom -- was fighting. She felt that searing his heroic visage into her eyes was only natural as part of her squire’s duties, which was why Neia was keeping watch from here. Yet, if she could--
1133--Neia tightly squeezed the bow she was carrying.
1134If one looked closely, they would see several other shapes battling the Sorcerer King in addition to Jaldabaoth. Those were the maid demons, who were rated at difficulty 150. Neia could not do anything but admire the Sorcerer King’s power for fighting so many powerful adversaries at once without giving ground.
1135It was at this moment that Neia finally realized something about herself. She envied the people of the Sorcerous Kingdom -- those people who were protected by justice. How happy they must be to live in a country ruled by such a being.
1136“Weakness is a sin, so one must become strong, or humbly accept justice similar to that of His Majesty.”
1137It was at this moment that Neia voiced the words she had been mulling over all this time. The way she repeated it several times sounded very much like a prayer.
1138Suddenly, there was a large explosion as a meteor fell.
1139It threw the carcasses of buildings high into the air, and they rained back down to the earth amidst a shower of gravel and sand.
1140“Captain… isn’t Jaldabaoth… too powerful?”
1141“Yes, that’s right.”
1142“The Sorcerer King -- His Majesty is also incredibly strong. If he becomes an enemy of our nation… what will we do?”
1143“Yes, that’s right.”
1144“Captain?”
1145“Yes, that’s right.”
1146She could hear Remedios talking to three paladins.
1147The paladins asking her questions had probably not seen how Remedios had ended up being toyed with like a child even after unleashing the holy sword’s power and stabbing Jaldabaoth in the back.
1148Ahh, maybe they didn’t see it. Still, anyone who saw that fight would understand. Both the Sorcerer King and Jaldabaoth were unimaginably powerful. Still, it was too late to think about things like that now. No--
1149If His Majesty could take this country under his rule, we would not have to suffer demihuman invasions again.
1150Neia was startled at how perfect that idea was, and even a little afraid.
1151Merging with the Holy Kingdom… if he were a frightening tyrant, even I wouldn’t think about it. But the Sorcerer King isn’t like that. He is justice. In that case… I ought to gather people who feel the same way as me!
1152Neia pondered the matter.
1153Many people had come to respect and idolize the Sorcerer King. There were those who were drawn to his overwhelming power, those who were grateful for being freed from suffering, those who hated the demihumans and who were glad that he had taken revenge on their behalf, and many such others.
1154From them she would select those people who had always been praying for the peace of this country, and then let them hear her words.
1155Neia knew that she was still young and lacked life experience. However, adults with good sense could stop Neia if they felt that her judgement was in error.
1156Let’s start by looking among my subordinates in the archery unit.
1157There were people among them who had lost their loved ones and harbored hate in their hearts. It might be better to try persuading them, because Neia could understand how they felt.
1158As she pondered this, she heard a doom as an exceptionally large explosion rang out.
1159After that, far in the distance, a tall building began to collapse.
1160The Sorcerer King would not have destroyed that building for no reason. Neia narrowed her eyes to try and see what was going on, but she could not tell what was happening in the building as it collapsed amidst billowing clouds of dust.
1161It was followed by a massive stroke of lightning from the sky.
1162It would seem he was working towards some objective here, as she had expected.
1163After a while, all manner of spells wrecked the city, and the situation repeated itself.
1164Neia was uneasy.
1165That they were incredible spells went without saying, but could the Sorcerer King’s mana really hold out?
1166Neia shook her head and banished the fear and unease from her heart.
1167It’ll be fine! The Sorcerer King must have taken all this into account! He’s already wasted so much mana on this country, but even so--
1168Still, hypothetically, if Jaldabaoth won, there would be no salvation for this world, only despair. What should she do if that happened?
1169Your Majesty, I’m counting on you!
1170And then, two shapes soared into the sky, as though Neia’s wish had gotten through.
1171The first to ascend trailed darkness in his wake, while the one pursuing him flapped his crimson wings and left a streak of fire behind him. 
1172The fact that the maids were not pursuing them meant one thing -- the Sorcerer King had defeated those difficulty 150 monsters among monsters while battling Jaldabaoth.
1173--He’s amazing!
1174Neia was so moved that she shivered.
1175His Majesty is more powerful than Jaldabaoth!
1176Indeed. There was no need to think anything else.
1177In turn, the maids were far weaker than Jaldabaoth, who was a notch below the Sorcerer King. That was why he could defeat them while fighting Jaldabaoth.
1178Neia struggled to contain her delight. As she carefully engraved the greatness of the person she respected into her eyes, she was so filled with joy that it seemed like it would explode out of her.
1179Neia’s heart pounded, to the point where it almost hurt.
1180They were all watching a scene that would one day be enshrined in a heroic saga.
1181--No, that’s not right.
1182It would seem they were going to fight again in the air.
1183Crimson spheres and glowing spheres blossomed in the sky.
1184Each of these spells could probably destroy an entire city district by themselves, and they were hurling them at each other in wild flurries. However, they looked kind of cute from a distance. 
1185Even so, that was an exchange of power within a realm that mankind could never reach.
1186This is...
1187As she looked out the corner of her eyes, she saw the people lining the city walls gulping as they saw all this. It would seem that they understood as well. They watched the aerial battle in silence, with earnest looks on their faces.
1188Someone put his hands together in prayer, and the people beside him followed suit -- and soon almost everyone on the city walls had their hands together as they looked to the sky.
1189It felt like they were at worship.
1190...This is mythology...
1191Neia did not know how much time had passed, but eventually -- there was a commotion among the people.
1192Before everyone’s eyes, one of the shapes in the sky fell towards the east -- and then it vanished.
1193The battle was over.
1194As everyone watched closely, the remaining shape slowly descended. Neia’s vision was better than most, and so she saw it first. It shocked her so much that she covered her mouth.
1195When the others saw the crimson fire, the city walls were silent. However, nobody tried to flee. Everyone who had seen the battle knew that there was no point in running.
1196With a flap of his fiery wings, the victor (Jaldabaoth) showed himself.
1197Though he was the victor in name, he was a tragic sight.
1198His entire body was covered in electrical scorch marks. Half his face seemed to have been crushed, and his deep wounds oozed fresh blood. Perhaps it was due to its temperature, but the blood sizzled as it touched the city walls, and the sound did not stop for a moment.
1199The way he looked was a better testament to the intensity of their battle than words could ever be.
1200“No way…”
1201A weighty, yet somewhat pained voice echoed across the city walls, as though to wipe away Neia’s muttering.
1202“...What a mighty opponent. He was one of the strongest I faced since Momon. I underestimated him. How foolish. Leading the demihumans nearly became meaningless. However -- yes, however, he is dead.”
1203Neia could not believe this. Therefore, she cried out:
1204“You’re lying!”
1205Jaldabaoth turned his intact eye toward Neia, but she did not budge despite being bathed in the gaze of a creature from a completely different order of life. The intense emotions within her heart left no room for fear to enter.
1206“I am not lying.”
1207“His Majesty is very bad at jokes… so you’re lying, right?”
1208“I am not lying.”
1209The words Jaldabaoth had repeated hit Neia hard enough to shatter her soul.
1210The world seemed to shake under her feet.
1211Neia instantly understood why the Sorcerer King had lost to Jaldabaoth. There was no need to even think about it.
1212It was simply because this country lacked Blue Rose’s Evileye and Darkness’ Nabe, the two magic casters who could hold the maid demons in check.
1213No, there was another reason apart from that.
1214“If that undead had been in top condition, I might have been defeated instead. But to think he actually expended his mana for the sake of humans like you -- truly, he was a fool who did not know his priorities. For that, I thank you.”
1215I knew it, weakness truly is a sin!
1216Neia was certain that she was correct.
1217“For that I shall reward you. The reward shall be your lives.”
1218“...What does that mean?”
1219Jaldabaoth snorted in delight at the question from an unknown source.
1220“I’m saying that I will spare you, at least for now.”
1221Someone sighed in relief, but Neia was furious.
1222“Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! It’s all a pack of lies! Everything you say is a lie! Who would believe what a devil says!?”
1223“It seems you are unable to accept reality. Are you mad, human? Pitiful.” Jaldabaoth pointed to Neia. “Disapp… I see,” and then he immediately withdrew the finger.
1224“What’s wrong! Jaldabaoth!”
1225“You intend to provoke me and thus prove I am lying? ...Is losing your life worth that much? I cannot understand it, but it seems to be the case.”
1226Neia’s teeth creaked as she clenched them.
1227Jaldabaoth had to be lying.
1228He had to be a liar, the kind who would tell a ridiculous lie like the Sorcerer King was dead.
1229“I will not allow it. Your lives have been saved. Now then, I will return for now. I must recover from these wounds. During that time, you may weep your tears of despair.”
1230As Jaldabaoth was about to take off with a flap of his wings, Neia’s hands moved with a mind of their own.
1231She readied her bow -- and let loose a shot. 
1232She had fired at him from the back, without giving him any warning of her shot.
1233However, Jaldabaoth immediately turned and seized the arrow. Despite his terrible wounds, he was still very agile. 
1234Jaldabaoth turned to face Neia, and then his eyes went to Neia’s bow, the Ultimate Shootingstar Super. After that, his wrath-twisted feature changed slightly.
1235“Ohh!? Ah! What an incredible weapon this is! I haven’t seen a weapon like this in so long! That was close, it almost finished me off!”
1236Jaldabaoth gesticulated wildly with his limbs as he said that. He seemed composed, but also quite anxious.
1237“What kind of weapon is this! How was it made?”
1238“As if I’d tell you!”
1239What on earth is he thinking? Neia’s mind boiled over with scorching hate.
1240How could she tell this liar what she had learned from the Sorcerer King?
1241“How could I tell a liar like you!?”
1242“Muu, ah, don’t, don’t tell me, was it made by runecraft?”
1243Naia’s heart lurched for a moment as he hit the nail on the head. Although she had managed to calm down a little, as her broken heart recalled the compassionate figure of the Sorcerer King once more, her anger reawakened.
1244“You’re wrong!”
1245Neia screamed like she had abandoned everything else, and Jaldabaoth groaned. Taking that as an opening, Neia fired again.
1246Her next target was his feet, which were hard for the hands to reach.
1247This time, Jaldabaoth frantically moved his feet to avoid the arrow.
1248He’s wary of it! Maybe this bow could--!
1249There could only be one reason why Jaldabaoth had so desperately evaded her shot when he had been indifferent to being stabbed in the back by the holy sword. What else could it be if not that this bow could harm him.
1250Neia’s heart filled with regret as her eyes filled with tears.
1251She realized that she should have joined that battle even if she would have perished swiftly, if it was possible that she could strike him with the Ultimate Shootingstar Super. She should have taken part, even if it was just to be a shield. If she had, then maybe--
1252Neia launched another arrow.
1253Jaldabaoth moved his head. The arrow missed and flew off to parts unknown.
1254“Hit, damn you!”
1255She fired again.
1256And again.
1257But none of her shots found their mark. Despite his size and his severe wounds, he had still evaded Neia’s attacks with startling ease.
1258“Rune--”
1259“--Shut up!”
1260Neia fired another arrow to shut Jaldabaoth up.
1261However, it too missed.
1262Why, why isn’t anyone attacking?
1263She could understand their inability to strike Jaldabaoth because he was airborne. However, even so, how could they simply let the lying demon who had killed the most merciful Sorcerer King go free?
1264“..Muu. Well, eh, I guess it can’t be helped… no? [Greater Teleportation].”
1265Jaldabaoth suddenly vanished.
1266“Get back here!!!”
1267Neia looked around.
1268All she saw were the wide-eyed faces of people who were shocked by what Neia had done. Jaldabaoth was nowhere in sight.
1269“Motherfucker! He ran away!”
1270“Calm down!” Remedios shouted.
1271The angry cry of a mighty being could exert a pressure of its own, and normally it would have brought Neia back to her senses or even made her freeze up. However, it did little more than annoy Neia right now.
1272“How can I calm down!?”
1273“Squire Neia Baraja! Did you borrow that weapon from the Sorcerer King? Why was he so interested in it?”
1274“Don’t ask me irrelevant questions like that! More importantly, we need to find His Majesty! I saw him fall to the east! We need to send out a rescue party!”
1275“Surely he must be dead.”
1276“How could he be dead!? How could His Majesty die!?”
1277Neia instinctively grabbed Remedios, but Remedios easily swept her aside and Neia fell to the ground.
1278“Are you calmer now? Nobody could survive a fall from that height.”
1279“Calm? You actually believe that demon’s words? Captain, did you sell your soul to him!?”
1280Remedios’ expression changed, and then it twisted.
1281“Squire! Damn you, there are things you can and can’t say!”
1282She grabbed Neia’s collar with tremendous force, and Neia found it hard to breathe.
1283“You two! Cool it! Cool it right now!”
1284The paladins, priests, soldiers and so on hurriedly made their way between Neia and Remedios, pulling them apart.
1285Neia panted heavily as she shouted:
1286“We need to send out a team to rescue His Majesty!”
1287“We can’t waste our resources on that!”
1288“How dare you call it a waste!”
1289Neia wanted to go up and punch Remedios, but the people between them stopped her.
1290“I’ve got nothing to say to you!” Having cooled down a little, Neia addressed the people holding her.
1291“Could you let go of me? There’s something I have to do.”
1292“Where are you going !?”
1293In response to that question, Neia looked at Remedios with an utterly incredulous expression on her face.
1294“What kind of eyes are those!? Is that how a squire should look at a paladin!?”
1295Hmph, Neia snorted.
1296“First, I will be asking His Highness the Prince to organize a rescue party for the Sorcerer King. After that, I will go straight to the Sorcerous Kingdom and tell them exactly what happened to His Majesty, and then I will ask for aid for His Majesty.”
1297Given the circumstances, nothing good would come of going to the Sorcerous Kingdom. Even so, she was still the Sorcerer King’s squire, and she had to complete her duty.
1298Neia was unsure if she could safely reach the Sorcerous Kingdom from here, but she had to go, even if it meant her death.
1299“Ohhh, if you’re going to the Sorcerous Kingdom, let me go with you, Baraja-san!”
1300The person who spoke was an ex-soldier, who had retired and become a hunter. He had been lauded for his archery and had joined Neia’s unit.
1301“Don’t worry about me, I’m old enough as it is, I don’t have much longer left.”
1302“Baldem-san!”
1303From his tone, she knew that he understood what sort of fate awaited him even if they reached the Sorcerous Kingdom safely.
1304“Hey, Neia-chan. Don’t forget me!”
1305“You too, Codina-san!?”
1306“I’ll go too. Not for you, but if it’s for the Sorcerer King then it can’t be helped.”
1307“Even Mena-san?”
1308All the skilled people in Neia’s unit stepped forward, one after the other. With their help, it might be possible for them to reach the Sorcerous Kingdom safely. However--
1309“Thank you very much.  But everyone, could you join the rescue party?”
1310“What are you saying? You were all gathered to rescue the Holy Kingdom and the suffering people from the clutches of that demon, weren’t you? Where are your priorities!?”
1311“What are you saying, Captain!? Could anything be more important than rescuing His Majesty!?”
1312“Of course! Right now, at this very moment, how many people of the Holy Kingdom do you think there are living in the hell the demihumans made for them!? Could anything be more important than rescuing them!?”
1313“Of course! That’s--”
1314“--What on earth are you doing!? What’s all this shouting for!?”
1315The argument immediately stopped when the interloper showed up. It was Caspond.
1316“Captain Custodio, should you not have returned immediately? Where is His Majesty? What about Jaldabaoth? What happened? Could somebody please explain?”
1317Caspond sounded like he had lost his bearings, and his voice echoed loudly in the miserable silence.
1318
1319***
1320
1321The meeting room was very cramped, with paladins, priests, nobles who had been prisoners until recently and honorary paladins who had been summoned here. That said, there were no better rooms for them to use, since Jaldabaoth had destroyed the one which Caspond had previously used.
1322Caspond had called an emergency meeting after receiving a report from a paladin, and he had instructed all key personnel to gather in this room.
1323After everyone had assembled, Caspond and Remedios entered with quick strides.
1324Everyone bowed as the prince entered. Neia was one of them, because she held no grudges against Caspond.
1325Caspond stood in front of everyone and began to speak.
1326“Thank you all for coming here. I wish to discuss our future actions.
1327Although it was supposed to be a discussion, there was only one thing Neia had to do, and she was certain that it was the right thing to do. Just as Neia was about to speak, Caspond raised his hand to stop her.
1328“I’m sure everyone has concerns of their own, but I pray you will hear me out first.
1329Caspond looked out at everyone gathered here.
1330“I believe many people have witnessed the extent to which Jaldabaoth’s strength exceeds ourimagination… yes. While I regret to say this, we must accept the fact that nobody in this country can triumph over him.”
1331Several people frowned in silence, then peeked at Remedios, who had been hailed as the strongest in the Holy Kingdom. After learning that she agreed with Caspond’s opinion, hints of fear and disappointment appeared on their faces.
1332“However, it is too early to give in to despair. If we cannot defeat him, then we will derail his plans in some other way and make him give up on trying to conquer the Holy Kingdom. We will not drive him out directly, but indirectly. Caspond waited several seconds for his words to sink in, and then spoke his conclusion. “What we will do is slaughter all the demihumans he leads.”
1333“Why are we doing that?
1334Caspond saw someone asking a question and nodded to them.
1335“In the past, Jaldabaoth made trouble in the Kingdom. Back then, he fought a certain warrior in a duel, and then he lost and ran away. At that time, he led an army of demons, but not an army of demihumans. In other words, he came to lead the demihuman army after losing to that warrior.”
1336Caspond looked around, as if to see if everyone understood.
1337“In other words, he is using the demihuman army as meat shields to avoid being forced into a one-on-one battle with that warrior. Didn’t Jaldabaoth say something like that when he defeated His Majesty? Something about leading the demihuman army almost becoming meaningless, or something.”
1338It made sense.
1339Back then, it had made no sense, but after hearing that explanation, it was hard to think of any other reason.
1340“In other words, the demihuman army is like armor and stamina for when he fights that warrior again. What will Jaldabaoth do if he loses the demihuman army? Will he remain stripped of his armor and stamina? When that warrior might appear in front of him again at any moment? Or perhaps -- would he choose to flee?”
1341“I see… then do you intend to abandon this city, defeat the southern demihuman army, and then join forces with the South to drive out the demihumans?”
1342After a certain priest asked his question, a certain rescued noble answered him.”
1343“That would be good. Thanks to the Sorcerer King’s power, almost 40’000 demihumans have been wiped out. The demihumans have lost a great deal of their fighting strength, no? The remainder ought to be staring down the South. If we rally all the people this city has rescued for an all-out attack and strike them from the back in a pincer attack, we ought to be able to rout the demihuman army. That way, we will be able to join up with the Southern forces and take back our land.
1344“--I propose the opposite. We will take back the closest major city on the west, which is the northern stronghold of Kalinsha.”
1345“Why is that, may I ask?”
1346“He’s right. All the major cities to the west such as Kalinsha, Prart, Rimun and the capital of Hoburns will be very hard to take. Many lives will be lost. Why don’t we fight the southern demihumans instead? Would destroying the demihumans’ fighting power not fit more with your plans, Prince-denka?”
1347“I see. All of your concerns are valid. I am grateful for the fact that many of the people present here are wise. However, is that an action which everyone can understand?”
1348There were baffled looks on the faces of many of the people here.
1349“How about this? Going to the south implies that we will be abandoning -- though it is only temporary, we are still abandoning them -- all the imprisoned people that we will not rescue as a result. Can the masses -- can the people understand that?”
1350“That, that… but that makes more sense, there’ll be a higher chance of saving them, no?
1351“You’re a baron, I believe?”
1352Caspond turned to look at the middle-aged man who had asked the question.
1353“Y-yes. I believe we met once, Prince-denka.”
1354“Ahh, just so. Now, have all the people of your domain been rescued?”
1355“Ah, no, not yet. I was imprisoned when I took the field beside Her Majesty, so I don’t know about my domain…”
1356“I see. So when you join up with the Southern forces and take back the North, people might say you fled to the South.”
1357The nobleman’s face froze up.
1358When one thought calmly about it, the nobleman was right. However, there was no guarantee that everyone -- especially those who were writhing in agony -- would be able to see the sense in what the nobleman had said. It was possible that there would be people who would say “why didn’t you save us earlier, our families were slaughtered by the demihumans” and turn the blades of their hatred on the nobles. Neia had seen such people before. 
1359However, nobody had said that in the prison camps which the Sorcerer King had liberated. Given his overwhelmingly potent magic -- which could sometimes wreck city walls in a single blast -- and the fact that he was the king of another nation, nobody would dare anger him for personal reasons.
1360“Also, I had been intending to speak to the landholders one-on-one after this. In this case, we might as well do it now.”
1361“...We are all exhausted. In contrast, what will the nobles of the South do? In particular, what will the other nobles do about nobles who have abandoned their fiefs?
1362The sticky scent of politics and privileges began to fill the air.
1363While it sounded unbelievable to Neia, was this what the nobles wanted? They nodded repeatedly.
1364“Prince-denka. Our domains…”
1365“I want you to pretend that you did not hear what comes next. That is because I cannot guarantee you anything. However, the privileges of the Southern nobles will probably increase all of a sudden. That is why you must pick the best methods for post-war conditions.”
1366“A moment please!”
1367One of the paladins called out to him.
1368“How can we shed more of the people’s blood for courtly disputes!?”
1369“Indeed! Indeed!” The priest called Siliaco shouted in a voice which was said to have been trained for volume. “What’s important is how to save more people!”
1370“...Driving out the demihumans doesn’t mean it’s all over, you know? If the South takes all the advantages, then we’ll have a hard time refusing the demands of the Southern nobles. And there’s no guarantee that they won’t impose heavy taxes on the exhausted people.”
1371“...Now that the Holy Queen is dead, it would be very bad if the next Holy King were to be chosen by the Southern nobles. However, if we can show concrete results with our strength, then at least…”
1372There were two factions in the room now.
1373The nobles’ faction and the paladins and priests’ faction.
1374Both sides were at odds. Speaking of Remedios, the paladins were trying to spoonfeed her a simplified version of what the Prince had said.
1375Neia was not part of either faction. She simply followed the flow of the conversation in silence. That was because Neia had already made up her mind about what she would be doing, so it did not matter what conclusion they reached in the end. Rather she wanted to bring up her own suggestion and set out as soon as possible.
1376That said, talking about irrelevant things here will only ruin the mood, and people who might have helped me won’t come to my aid...
1377Shortly after listening to numerous boring topics, she decided to toss the ball back to Caspond once both sides had worn themselves out with arguing.
1378“The Prince-denka brought up this topic. Perhaps we should let him finish speaking?”
1379“Ahh. Like I said earlier, I intend to take back Kalinsha. This is also militarily advantageous. In truth, this city is far too cramped, and much of it has already been destroyed. Living here is difficult, so I would like to have a larger, more solid home base. In addition, by taking back a major city, we’ll have an advantage when dealing with the Southern nobles. Also, Kalinsha was meant to stop enemy advances, so it ought to have military stores, assuming they haven’t been moved out yet.”
1380“...I approve the proposal to secure a better base.”
1381“Ahhh, I’m a little uneasy about the sanitation of a city like this. Many people are shivering from the cold too.”
1382However, they went on to say, “we need to avoid large numbers of deaths”.
1383“Indeed. That is why it is the best time to attack the enemy strongholds. After all, Jaldabaoth cannot take action now.”
1384There was no telling how long Jaldabaoth’s wounds would take to heal, but surely he would recover before the demihuman army was completely defeated.
1385In addition, it was very unlikely that he would show his face before making a complete recovery. After knowing of the existence of a powerful warrior like Momon, he would surely take the possibility of Momon showing up into consideration before taking action. Therefore, if he acted, it would not  happen before he was almost completely recovered.
1386That said, no matter how many forces they had, the Holy Kingdom would be at a loss once Jaldabaoth took the field. Therefore they had to take the fortress now.
1387So that was it. After listening to that agreeable explanation, Neia expressed her approval as well.
1388
1389“--In that case, it seems the only thing you are unhappy with is the number of people who must die for this. Can I take that to mean that you will give me your support if I can minimize the number of deaths?”
1390Everyone present nodded, with the exception of Remedios. Neia did not mind either way, but after considering the flow of the conversation, she realised that it would be bad if only one person was not nodding, and so she nodded with everyone else.
1391As for Remedios, several people looked at her face and saw that she did not seem to have any special reasons, so they chose to ignore her.
1392“It’s decided then. We will discuss the details of retaking Kalinsha afterwards. Now then -- our next item.”
1393Caspond sighed loudly and then turned to Neia.
1394“This concerns the death of the Sorcerer King.”
1395“Prince-denka, I sincerely apologize, but I hope you will amend that statement immediately. The Sorcerer King’s death remains in question. That was simply what Jaldabaoth told us. It would be foolish to take a demon’s words at face value.” 
1396Neia eyed Remedios and continued, “I think it it more likely that he is trying to deceive us.”
1397“In that case, why has he not come back? He can cast teleportation spells, can’t he?”
1398“Perhaps he was immobilized by his wounds, perhaps he’s out of mana, there could be many reasons for it.”
1399Remedios did not ask any further.
1400
1401“That’s true. That’s why I’d like to hear from all of you. What do you think we should do?”
1402“There’s no point in asking what we should do!” Neia shouted, forcing the words out like she was trying to strain them out through her teeth. “...I think we should dispatch a rescue party and relay this news to the Sorcerous Kingdom at the same time. If possible, I would like to be the messenger.”
1403“I see. That’s what you think, Squire Baraja. How about the others?”
1404As Caspon looked up and down the gathered people, one of the nobles spoke up.
1405“I have a question. While the Sorcerer King was supposed to have gone down in the east, considering we will be mounting a rescue operation in demihuman-controlled territory, would it not be better to wait until we have some concrete intelligence before…”
1406“It’ll be too late by then,” Neia immediately shot back. “The more we delay, the more His Majesty will be exposed to danger. I suggest we make our rescue as soon as possible.”
1407The majority agreed with Neia’s opinion. What she said made perfect sense.
1408“In that case, we ought to send out a search party at the same time as the envoys to the Sorcerous Kingdom.”
1409“...I have something I would like to confirm with you, since you have the role of His Majesty’s squire. Do you think the Sorcerer King told the people of his country that he was coming to the Holy Kingdom?”
1410Neia began to think.
1411
1412“I apologize, but I am not sure. However, I feel it would not be strange for him to have told the people of the Sorcerous Kingdom, because there were times when he returned to his country with teleportation spells.”
1413“In that case, I feel you should not send an envoy to the Sorcerous Kingdom.”
1414“Why!?”
1415Neia glared at the noble who had done nothing but naysay. The noble retreated two steps and his face went pale under that glare. The people around that noble also backed away from him.
1416“No, ah, please calm down and listen. That, uh, that is because it will bring trouble. Wait! Please calm down and listen to me. When you think about it normally, the possibility exists that the Sorcerous Kingdom’s undead armies would take revenge on us, am I wrong? And revenge would be one thing; they might annex the Holy Kingdom as well. And… ah, why is that? Who’s to say the Sorcerer King was not aiming for that all along?”
1417“Excuse me!” Neia was so angry that she actually felt dizzy. “In that case, permit me to ask a question of my own! If His Majesty returned to his country by teleportation, what will he think of the Holy Kingdom, who knew what happened but said nothing?”
1418Everyone she could see nodded in agreement. Amidst all this, Remedios spoke.
1419“Well, it can’t be helped then, can it? Our country doesn’t have the luxury of doing that now. We’ll apologize after everything is over.”
1420“Even if you--”
1421
1422
1423
1424Neia was so worked up that she was about to shout, and then she heard the sound of clapping from beside her. She looked over, and saw that it was Caspond. Since the Prince wanted to speak, all Neia could do was remain silent.
1425“Squire Baraja. Allow me to pick the people who will go to the Sorcerous Kingdom. How about that? After all, if we send over a mere squire as a messenger, won’t the other country think we’re making fun of them?”
1426“That, that is as you say…”
1427His explanation made perfect sense. Under normal circumstances, they would surely pick a country’s ambassador over a squire who had borrowed a magic bow from the Sorcerer King. However, would he really send out an envoy? She found that part hard to believe. Even so, it would be very bad to show that she did not trust the Prince’s words.
1428“I am glad that you understand.”
1429“In that case, please allow me to lead several people to the east.”
1430“Indeed. I would very much like to send you as well, but we still do not know where the Sorcerer King fell. He might be ten kilometers away or a hundred. If things go badly, he might have fallen into the Abelion Hills, which Jaldabaoth controls. Even if I allowed you to go to such a desolate place, would you have any means of finding the Sorcerer King?
1431Neia could not answer him.
1432
1433Finding where the demihumans lived in unfamiliar terrain was an impossible task. She could easily imagine the scouting team meeting with difficulty and being wiped out.
1434“Surviving in the hills, slipping past demihuman observation and gathering information,” Caspond counted off on his fingers. If you go there without preparing, you will simply be killing yourself indirectly, and what good is a rescue party that ends in failure?”
1435“Then, then do you have another way!?”
1436“Of course.”
1437“Eh?”
1438How could there be? As she thought about that question, it was easily answered. Neia’s eyes went wide in surprise, and then Caspond adjusted himself before telling Neia the answer.
1439“All you need is to find someone who knows the hills.”
1440Neia blinked, and Caspond smiled to her.
1441“Listen. All we need to do is to take a demihuman captive and have him lead the way. Would it not be safer to order a demihuman to act as your guide?”
1442“Ah.”
1443
1444Indeed, that was the case. Humans would be taking an absurd risk in entering that land. However, it would be a different matter if they had guides.
1445However, there were also problems with it which could not be ignored.
1446If they simply threatened a demihuman prisoner into showing them the way, then if the prisoner was willing to take them with him, the searching party would be going to their deaths. The Orcs she had met earlier seemed like the type who did not care about whether they lived or died.
1447They would need trustworthy demihumans, but where would they find those?
1448What could she do to make a demihuman act as a reliable guide?
1449Neia racked her brains, but when she thought of demihumans, she could only think of them coming at her murderously, and she could not imagine them accepting an offer to turn their coats.
1450No, the Orcs and the Grand King Buser felt like humans -- I see, take their relatives hostage… no, if we could take a king like Buser prisoner, his tribe would probably obey us.
1451Or on the other hand, the angered tribe might put up stiff resistance. Besides, how would they capture a mighty demihuman king like Buser--
1452As Neia wandered aimlessly in a mental labyrinth, chasing an answer she could not find, the room’s door swung open and a paladin barged in.
1453
1454He panted heavily and looked around the interior of the room, but he approached Caspond instead of Remedios.
1455Perhaps he did not want others to hear what news he had. He brought the Prince to a corner of the room and whispered in his ear, but Neia’s keen hearing picked up snatches of their exchange. Among them, the last piece of information piqued her interest.
1456He had said “maid demons”.
1457“Gentlemen, something urgent has come up, Unfortunately, the meeting will end here. I hope you will begin working on ways to take back Kalinsha. Also, Captain Custodio, come with me.”
1458
1459Intermission
1460
1461Recently, Jircniv had been in great shape.
1462Terrific, even.
1463In any case, life was good.
1464After visiting the nightmare that was Nazarick, the stomach cramps that had been plaguing him all this time were gone. The cabinet which had once held potions now contained neat stacks of documents. He was free of all his troubles, he no longer collected hair from his pillow and he was no longer shocked by how much of it there was.
1465How refreshing!
1466How pleasant!
1467How comfortable!
1468This was probably the first time he had been filled with such a feeling of liberation. He felt so good that he could not help but imagine he had sprouted wings with which he could flap into the sky.
1469He put his heartfelt smile away and faced his subordinate. You smile more often now, his not-beautiful concubine had said, but this was not a time to let others see him smile. Dignity was a thing that caused a lot of problems when one lost it.
1470And so, the usual morning meeting began.
1471Jircniv had many scribes, but the one before him now was an excellent man called Roune Varmilinen.
1472At first, he had been worried that something had been done to him after he had returned from the Sorcerer King’s palace, and so he had placed him in a sinecure. However, that too was a thing of the past. Roune’s position as head scribe was now secure. This was not because he was certain that nothing had been done to him. It was simply to prove that he had nothing to hide from the Sorcerous Kingdom. In addition, it was also a fact that Roune was very skilled.
1473He glanced over the document he had taken from Roune, and due to the ridiculous content within, Jircniv lost control of himself and burst into laughter.
1474“Whoever wrote this was quite the comedian. What do you think of the Sorcerer King’s death?”
1475“I am absolutely certain that this is one hell of a lie.”
1476Jircniv agreed with what Roune had said.
1477“Ahh, that’s right. It must be fake. Besides, it’s impossible that His Majesty would lose or die or whatever.”
1478Nobody could possibly kill a magic caster who could crush an army of 200’000 with a single spell and fight in armed combat with the Martial Lord, the Empire’s mightiest warrior. Jircniv was certain of that.
1479Of course, one could not poison him either, and he could not fall to disease or die of old age. It felt more realistic that someone was spreading a bad joke on a massive scale in order to make the punchline of “...because he was already dead to begin with”.
1480“Well, it’s probably to root out any malcontents. Still, I have a question.”
1481“Which is?”
1482“That is to say, I am wondering why is His Majesty, who possesses unrivalled intellect, resorting to a lame little scheme like this which anyone can see through. Unless it means there’s some other… yes, it’s possible there may be some grand conspiracy brewing that even I cannot discern…”
1483Who could say for sure there was none? No, if this was a scheme laid by the monstrous intellect who knew every detail of Jircniv’s movements, then Jircniv was certain that this was nothing but the tip of the iceberg.
1484For all Jircniv knew, even thinking that way might have been part of his plan.
1485However, what if this was not a scheme hatched by the Sorcerer King, but by one of his underlings -- for instance, that utterly imbecilic-looking toad monster?
1486“...I don’t know. Besides, if you can’t figure out something you want to figure out, you can only abandon it. More to the point, all we need to do is obey Albedo-sama, the prime minister of the Sorcerous Kingdom, and do what she says. There’ll be no problems so long as we don’t betray them and complete our tasks. As the ruler of a vassal nation, I won’t be so easily purged if I’m appropriately incompetent.
1487“It is as you say.”
1488Roune shrugged.
1489In the past, he was a person who would not make such movements, It would seem he had trained himself to do so after his many experiences. Or perhaps it was because he had grown bold.
1490Regardless of the Sorcerer King’s vital status, all would be well as long as the Empire did not stop being a vassal of the Sorcerous Kingdom. In this way, they would be immune to any stratagem the opposition employed. Loyalty was the best defense. If they were killed even after giving their loyalty, then all they could do was laugh at the pettiness of the other party and go to the grave in peace.
1491“Now then, is that all the work for today?”
1492Ever since he had become a vassal nation, Jircniv’s administrative workload had dropped to around half of before, Still, today’s workload seemed too light.
1493“No, Your Majesty, there’s still something else. This is a document we received this morning. It was submitted by the knight legions.”
1494Unfortunately, his work was not yet done.
1495Jircniv accepted the proffered document with a mocking smile on his face.
1496He glanced briefly through it. It seemed to contain the knights’ complaints about their legion being reconstituted.
1497In the past, he would have given a certain amount of special consideration to the knights. Or rather, considering Jircniv had many nobles as his enemies, he could not allow the enemy to snatch away the martial force which the knights represented. However, things were different now.
1498“Tell them this: you can tell His Majesty the Sorcerer King in person. I can’t believe they wasted paper on this.”
1499Paper used in these reports was made by utility magic, and it cost more regardless of what tier of spell was used to make it. Jircniv could have thrown it away after use without any concerns, but he did not intend to keep quiet about excessive expenses.
1500Paper made from zero-tier spells was crumpled. It was coarse and discolored.
1501Paper conjured from first-tier utility spells was thinner and whiter. Papermaking could produce paper of this quality as well, but spells of this tier produced less paper and so it was more expensive.
1502Second-tier utility spells produced very sheer and very clean paper. Of course, one could color magically-created paper to a certain extent. Spells of this tier could produce a very soft paper known as noble paper, and all productivity went to that aspect.
1503“Still I don’t understand why they’re so resistant to letting another country handle our national defense.”
1504“Don’t complain about that to me, tell Albedo-sama. Also, didn’t we already say that we weren’t entrusting everything to them?”
1505This came from Prime Minister Albedo’s instructions to supplement the Empire’s military manpower with the Sorcerous Kingdom’s undead armies.
1506Jircniv believed that this was part of the program to complete the vassalization process, and so he obeyed it. He planned to let some of the knights retire and disbanded two of the Empire’s eight legions.
1507This ought to have been a good idea since there were many people who were mentally exhausted from that massacre, but there had still been some disgruntlement about the lack of seats which could be taken.
1508“And I even prepared positions for them to transfer into…”
1509“People are just unhappy at losing their privileges and uneasy about doing jobs they’ve never done before, I think.”
1510“If it’s the latter, then they just have to work hard, but if it’s the former then it’s only to be expected. Or am I expected to pay people who simply do their job and engage in physical labor the same amount that people in hazardous and deadly jobs receive?”
1511Jircniv snorted and disregarded it.
1512Perhaps he would have needed to masterfully manipulate them in the past, but now there was no need for that.
1513Jircniv had the backing of someone called the Sorcerer King who possessed absolute power. No matter what happened, all he had to do was say, “please tell His Majesty yourself” and all dissent was quashed in an instant.
1514Nobody in the Empire could express their displeasure to someone who could slaughter on such a scale and even defeat the Martial Lord in combat.
1515While they had used to field their complaints to Jircniv in the past, his position was now secure, given that he was a servant of the Sorcerer King. No, because he was feared, he ought to say it was more secure than secure. Immovable, perhaps?
1516And frankly, there were shockingly few people in the Empire who were unhappy about becoming vassals of the Sorcerous kingdom. That was because the Sorcerous Kingdom made very few demands. There were quite a few finely-detailed requests, but there were only two main demands.
1517The first was to amend a part of the Empire’s law -- this was to emphasize the absolute nature of the Sorcerer King and his confidants.
1518The second was to hand over criminals sentenced to the death penalty. This was shocking in the opposite sense. While he had felt that they would suffer horrible fates, one of them had been safely returned because “he was framed, and so he was innocent”.
1519And so, one could say that there was practically no change from daily life.
1520“Come, let’s finish up quick so I can meet my friend.”
1521Today, a true, freshly-made friend was scheduled to visit Jircniv. All the preparations for his welcome were complete, and all that was left was Jircniv’s part of the work.
1522He spent half an hour taking care of sundry tasks, and then his subordinate entered the room after receiving the approval of his guards and Jircniv himself.
1523“Your Majesty, your guest has arrived--”
1524“Ohh! Hurry and let him in!”
1525His work was not finished. Still, what about it? What could be more important than greeting a friend?
1526Soon, his friend was led into the room by his subordinates.
1527Jircniv rose, his face all smiles, and he spread his arms in welcome and invited his guest in.
1528It was a demihuman who looked like a short, squat mole. The enchanted pendant he had given him dangled back and forth.
1529“Ohhh! Welcome! My true friend, Riyuro!”
1530Jircniv embraced Riyuro without any hesitation and wrapped his arms around him.
1531“Ahhh! Jircniv, oh friend with whom I have shared my troubles! I am deeply grateful for your welcome!
1532Riyuro embraced Jircniv as well. Given the sharp claws on his forelimbs, one could see the gentleness in his movements as he took care not to hurt Jircniv with them.
1533They held each other for a while, and then slowly broke apart.
1534“--What are you saying? My doors are always open to Riyuro.”
1535Riyuro smiled savagely.
1536While the smile looked very menacing on a demihuman, Jircniv understood that he was smiling. Such was the intimacy of their relationship.
1537Jircniv was suddenly struck by how interesting this was.
1538He had been born and raised as a candidate to be the next Emperor, and everyone around him of his age considered him the Crown Prince. Therefore, he had not had anyone he could call a friend. But now, the fact that his first friend was a demihuman--
1539--Hmph. If I had told myself from 10 or 15 years ago about this, I wouldn’t have believed it… For this, if nothing else, I have to thank that undead being.
1540He had first met this dear friend before him in a waiting room when he had gone to see the Sorcerer King.
1541At that time, he had simply wondered where this demihuman had come from and how far the Sorcerer King’s domination reached.
1542But after that, they met again, and engaged each other in conversation to learn more about each other -- and then they forged a spiritual bond. After a minute together that could have been a month, a deep friendship was born.
1543That was why they no longer addressed each other with honorifics, This was not because they were both kings.
1544Indeed, it was because the two of them--
1545
1546--Were both being tormented by the same oppressor -- they were comrades in suffering.
1547
1548“Come, I’ve prepared all sorts of delicacies that will surprise you. Why not come enjoy yourself for all your labors?”
1549“Ah, I look forward to it, Jircniv. I too have brought many of the mushrooms you said were delicious. Let us eat them together when we have the time.”
1550“Ohhh! Thank you, Riyuro.”
1551The mushrooms Riyuro had brought were fragrant and meaty, and they were a luxury ingredient called Obsidian.
1552The two of them left the room side by side.
1553In the past, Jircniv had been uneasy when he heard that the Sorcerous Kingdom treated demihumans the same way it treated humans.
1554However he snuck a glance at Riyuro beside him and thought.
1555Demihumans aren’t bad. At least, compared to the undead -- the Sorcerer King.
1556“Speaking of which, have you heard, Riyuro? The Sorcerer King seems to have kicked the bucket.”
1557Riyuro expelled a great rush of air from his nose. This was his way of snorting in laughter.
1558“Jircniv, that is impossible. How -- how could someone like him die?”
1559“Indeed, I agree with that statement. However… which nation will see its people lamenting this time…?”
1560“Yes…”
1561Riyuro and Jircniv both looked to the sky.
1562There was pain in their eyes. They grieved for a tragedy that was happening in some faraway place, and the shared sympathy that soon they would gain a new comrade.
1563
1564“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”
1565The cry that rang through the room made the man go stiff. He belonged to a secret organization called Eight Fingers, and while he had seen many things before, he had never seen an eruption of such dark emotions. It seemed like genuine hatred and unadulterated cursing. 
1566He would not have been shocked if it had come from an enemy. Indeed, he would be smiling serenely instead. However the people making that sound were his friends, friends with whom he had forged a spiritual connection due to having gone through the same suffering and misery.
1567Friends -- he thought that there could not be a word that was less applicable to him than that.
1568Even the organization he belonged to now simply hamstrung each other, struggled for power, and tried to suss out each others’ weaknesses. If there was a conflict of their interests, there would have been blood.
1569However, things were different now.
1570Even if there was only one less person, everyone would have to do more work and their probability of failure would go up. When that happened, they would be dragged into that hell as well, because they were responsible for them. Even being punished once would be enough to condemn one to a liquid diet and being plagued by nightmares. For all he knew, there were other hells waiting for him.
1571With that in mind, whenever anyone began to fall behind in their work, everyone would immediately support him with all their might, worry about his health, and fret about his mental state. And they were desperate in their efforts.
1572They had become true companions, those who shared their fate, their lives, and their deaths.
1573And one of those friends of his was now screaming and rolling around on the ice-cold stone slab flooring. The fear called “if you don’t find out the reason soon, you’ll end up like that too” drove the man to action.
1574“What, what is it, Hilma? What happened?”
1575The wailing woman stopped moving, and her eyes slid up from below to look at the man.
1576“--I’ve had it! Swap with me! I need to watch that idiot’s movements! My stomach hurts! What the hell’s wrong with him! I lose my mind around idiots!”
1577They knew only one man who could be called an idiot. While they had used the word “idiot” often until now, that man was enough to show others what it truly meant to be an idiot, and so they could no longer use the word idiot lightly.
1578“What is it? What’s that idiot done now?”
1579Hilma spoke quickly, like she was vomiting her pent-up rage.
1580“Ah, yes! You heard about it, right, how His Majesty perished!?”
1581He wanted her to slow down a little, but it sounded like Hilma was venting her stress, so he did not interrupt her, but listened patiently.
1582“Mm, of course.”
1583Eight Fingers had been the ones who spread the news. Of course it went without saying that they had used unrelated merchants to spread the news through the Kingdom.
1584“What do you think he said after hearing about it!?”
1585Well, he was an idiot, after all. He ought to have considered that point before answering. However, all he could think of were ordinary answers. Still, there was no telling what an idiot thought, so he gave up in the end and said something normal.
1586“...He said something about the burial?”
1587“If that were all, my stomach wouldn’t hurt like this! He, he said that if he married Albedo-sama, he would be able to inherit the Sorcerous Kingdom!”
1588“Aiiieeee!”
1589The man squeaked and looked around himself.
1590The man could not sense them but there ought to be watchers from the Sorcerous Kingdom here. After making sure that they had not made their move, the man sighed in relief.
1591They had been ordered to prepare an idiot, but he would much rather not be pushed into that hell because he was an idiot beyond all limits.
1592“Oi oi oi! We were ordered to prepare an idiot, but why don’t we just kill him off? Wouldn’t it be better to prepare a more suitable idiot!?”
1593“Can we prepare anyone else at this point?”
1594The man’s answer made Hilma roll around while screaming “Ahhhhhhhh!” The hem of her dress rode up her leg and above her thigh.
1595She had originally been a high class whore and was as beautiful as one, but all the man could feel for her charmless, disgraceful state now was sympathy.
1596After all, he knew very well that if he had been assigned to the same task, he would be rolling around on the floor instead of Hilma.
1597“Come on Hilma, give it your best.”
1598She suddenly stopped and glared at the man before speaking.
1599“Wouldn’t it be alright if you manipulated that man… or made sure he didn’t do anything excessive?”
1600“Idiots like that ought to be controlled by women. Am I right?”
1601After hearing that question, Hilma went “Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!” again and continued rolling around on the ground.
1602“I think it won’t last much longer. We’ll move in earnest after another two or three years. Get more idiots together before that. We’ll do our best to help if you need to form a faction of idiots.”
1603“Two years is too long ahhhhhhhhh!”
1604“Still, those are our orders. Control the information they receive, and make a faction that will do even more foolish things.”
1605“That’s true ahhhhhhhh!”
1606Hilma suddenly stopped, and then she bolted upright.
1607“You’ve got it easy. All you need to do is mobilize the traders and spread the news of the Sorcerer King -- His Majesty’s! -- death to the Second Prince.”
1608You make it sound so easy, he thought,
1609In the past, he did not think that either of the princes was very bright. However, he had slowly come to realize that this was because of the First Prince, which had made him disguise himself.
1610It was because the Second Prince was intelligent that getting the news to him required extremely careful and complicated maneuvering.
1611This was to keep him from realizing that he worked for the Sorcerous Kingdom.
1612“...It’s not as easy as you say it is.”
1613“...Ahh, my apologies. It’s given you a lot of work too, right… how about tonight, coming?”
1614Hilma mimed the action of drinking a big mouthful of wine.
1615“Sure. I need to make sure I don’t leak anything even when I’m stinking drunk.”
1616They might not be able to eat solid foods, but drinking was a different matter.
1617“Haha,” a withered smile appeared on Hilma’s face. “It’ll be fine. Our watchers will help us take care of it.”
1618“Haha,” a similar look appeared on his face. “That… is true…”
1619“But now that you mention it, where’s that lucky fellow now…”
1620There was only one person among them who could be considered a lucky fellow.
1621“Coccodol’s still in jail because he lost his power during that struggle… lucky him.”
1622“You’re right… he really is…”