Chapter 4, Part 3

After Hilma’s punishment was decided in such a way, the two guardians talked with Ainz a little longer, before leaving to carry out their duties. Ainz was in a great mood. Although his theory as to Demiurge’s plan for the Re-Estize Kingdom was wrong, he was able to resolve the demon’s issue in a way that didn’t disrupt said scheme. Seeing Mare’s progress from acting like a panicky boy to a more assertive behavior filled Ainz’s heart with happiness too.

Bukubukuchagama-san, what would you think if you saw Mare’s personality changing so? He couldn’t help but wonder. His thoughts then moved on to the contents of Demiurge’s plans which were revealed. So, they plan to kill Philip, but then what? Blame it on King Zanac? He wouldn’t abdicate just from that. And even if we somehow got rid of him and Renner became queen, it still wouldn’t solve the issue of fractured nobles. Not to mention getting the commoners to accept such quick changes in rulership. There must be more to their scheme than this.

Ainz’s fingers stopped tapping on the table, and he waved his hand as if to get rid of an annoying pest. That doesn’t matter, what I need to do right now is figure out Blue Rose’s objective in coming here. According to the report, Theocracy’s agent proposed an alliance against the Sorcerer Kingdom, their main aim was Evileye, as one of the strongest fighters in the Kingdom. There was also a mention of Rigrit, but whatever. During the meeting, Evileye was skeptical of the Theocracy’s plan and ability, but her mood seemed to change after it was mentioned that Momon will be participating.

Ainz caressed his chin as he thought of why the mention of Momon would cause such a drastic change in Evileye’s behavior. Considering she was suspicious before, could it be that once she heard I was involved, she realized that the whole thing was a sham? If we follow this line of thought, then it would explain her behavior. After her realization, she would no longer need to make a life or death decision. Rather all she needs to do is talk to Momon and confirm her guess. Yes, this must be it.

After coming to this conclusion Ainz spent a good deal of time going over various scenarios of his interaction with Evileye. After all, he would not just need to be careful, rather he would have to actively steer Evileye away from her preconceived notion. That was a much harder job than just not making any blunders.

Bah, the killing intent Nabe and I subconsciously released back when Evileye spoke of killing Entoma was too large of an error, she has been suspicious of us ever since. Ainz shook his head. No matter how much he planned, it was still highly likely that he would need to replace Evileye with a doppelganger.

He continued to review reports of Blue Rose’s movement in the city, but there wasn’t anything suspicious. After reserving rooms in the Golden Pavilion and inquiring about Momon, the group went to the Adventurer’s Guild. There, they spend a good amount of time looking at the items available for tokens and chatted a bit with the receptionist and other adventurers.

As foreign adventurers, they weren’t eligible to partake in the Dungeon, so they naturally didn’t go there. Instead, they went to the training grounds where they joined a large crowd of people who came to watch a duel between Moknak of Rainbow and Marv of The Young Blood. Both were the leaders of recently promoted adamantite groups. Although Moknak had spent a bit more time at the adamantite rank and had acquired more gear with the gold tokens from the last wing of the Dungeon, Marv had a stronger foundation, having spent several years at the orichalcum rank. Additionally, one was native to E-Rantel while the other hailed from the Holy Kingdom, adding the general interest in their fight.

Out of boredom and curiosity, Ainz also observed the fight via the Mirror of Remote Viewing. He saw the two fighters square off in the training grounds. Marv was a tall guy, who was surprisingly quick for his size, and dual wielded swords. Moknak was also tall, but was somewhat fat, compared to Marv’s God-like physique, he fought with a two-handed sword.

***

The fighters exchanged a few attacks and it became clear that Marv held an advantage. He was able to control the distance with his superior speed and could move in and out of range. Additionally, he had enough strength and speed to parry Moknak’s attack with just one weapon, allowing him to counter with the other.

Moknak was quite shocked by this. Given his might, most people would need to use all of their power to negate his attacks, and could have difficulties even then. But Marv was different and was able to push Moknak back, as he had no choice but to retreat to avoid getting hit by the counter.

Moknak tried a few feints, but Marv saw through them. Damn it, his foundation really is better than mine. In that case, I’ll have to bet everything on this move, Moknak thought with a hint of annoyance. He continued to fight without trying anything new, lulling his opponent into thinking that he couldn’t do anything.

Moknak swung his sword horizontally. Marv parried it with one weapon and stepped forward while swinging his other blade. Previously, Moknak would retreat at this point, in order to avoid being hit. However, this time he dashed forward, going past the trajectory of the opponent’s blade. He dropped his weapon, and lowered his center of gravity, he tackled his opponent sending both of them to the ground. He landed on top and quickly moved to side control, pinning one of Marv’s hands with his leg while securing the other with his hand. Moknak then pulled a dagger out of his boot, placing it next to Marv’s neck.

Just like that, Moknak won.

***

Ainz watched as Moknak got up and extended a hand to Marv. The two fighters exchanged a few words and shared a laugh. Ainz was pleased, adventurers from different regions getting along was a good thing, as he really didn’t want to have to deal with internal strife in the Adventurer’s Guild. Moknak’s victory was also a pleasant surprise.

Technically speaking, as an orichalcum adventurer for quite a few years Marv had much more combat experience at higher level, compared to Moknak. Despite the latter’s recent rise, most of his experience came while being a mythril ranked adventurer. Which made his victory both unexpected and pleasing, since it showed that the experience gained from constant training against other adventurers produced an excellent result.

Since Ainz was the one who had come up with the various training methods for the adventurers, this result served as a validation of his ideas. His mood turning good once again, Ainz decide to leave the matter of Evileye aside and focus his attention on other things.

***

The next morning, Narberal stood in front of Ainz waiting patiently, as he sat behind a desk, deep in thought. He had already explained the situation regarding Blue Rose unexpected arrival and was now mentally going over his options.

Ah, I couldn’t come up with much, I can’t dodge her forever, and even if I could, that’s not necessarily a good thing. Since Evileye already has a negative perception, I need to change it, not leave it as is. Guess I’ll just have to play it by ear, Ainz sighed.

Out of desperation and with nothing better to do he decided to ask.

“Narberal, what do you think about Evileye?”

“Who?” Nabe asked absolutely sincerely.

“She’s a member of the Blue Rose, an adamantite adventurer, a magic caster, she wears a mask, we met her in the capital of Re-Estize during the Jaldabaoth’s disturbance… she’s the one that injured Entoma,” Ainz rattled a bunch of clues as he looked at Narberal’s blank face.

“Ah, that annoying bug,” the maid finally reacted after the mention of Entoma. “She’s quite audacious. Just like that other overgrown mosquito from the Draconic Kingdom,” Nabe showed a sign of clear annoyance on her face.

Audacious? Doesn’t seem like the right word to describe Evileye. And that other mosquito? Is that the Queen of the Draconic Kingdom? What does she have to do with this?

“What makes you say that,” he asked?

“I mean, how dare the two of them set their eyes on someone as great as Ainz-sama. As if they could ever compete with Albedo-sama or Shalltear-sama for Ainz-sama’s affection. Just the mere thought that such worms dare to think themselves worthy of your attention upsets me,” Narberal said with a scowl.

“Are you… Are you saying Evileye has fallen for Momon?”

“Her squirrel-sized brain must’ve broken after she encountered Demiurge-sama and was saved by Momon-sa-san. How else could she be bold enough to flirt with Momon-san?” Narberal replied with a righteous tone.

“What?” Ainz asked dumbfounded as his mind was blown by her words.

Eh? Is this really true? Suzuki Satoru was a loner and had never even had a girlfriend. While he had a lot of experience in talking to people due to his job in sales, flirting was a whole different matter. I was able to tell that Draudillon was flirting with me, due to her actions being way over the top. But Evileye’s behavior was more subtle. Let’s say Narberal is correct, then what does that mean?

Ainz’s mind raced as he thought about such a possibility. If Evileye has indeed fallen for Momon, then the reason for her coming to E-Rantel is not to expose Momon and confirm her suspicion. Rather it is to confirm the Theocracy’s claim that Momon will be participating in their attack. Then, depending on how she feels about the Theocracy’s plan she will either join Momon or will try to talk him out of it.

His fingers tapping some tune, Ainz smiled as he realized all of his previous worries were unfounded. Still, I should not get careless. Given her attitude towards humans, she isn’t exactly known for her powers of perception. I should still be on my guard. But, if Narberal is right, and I guessed Evileye’s reason for coming correctly, then what do I want her to do?

The image of a short, masked magic caster surfaced in Ainz mind. He spent a few seconds thinking of her potential fate, weighing the pros and cons of his choices. Seemingly having come to a conclusion he nodded and stood up.

“Let’s go,” he told Narberal and changed into Momon’s appearance.

“Yes, Ainz-sama.”

“We’ll go to the Golden Pavilion from the compound of the Sorcerer King. If we run into Blue Rose on the way, pretend you are tired and go to the inn. Otherwise, I’ll leave you at the inn and look for them myself,” Ainz said.

I need to confirm if Narberal is right, which could be tricky. Having her there could be a problem if she says something outrageous when Evileye admits her feelings for me, Ainz mentally reaffirmed his decision to leave Nabe out of his chat with Blue Rose.

They went through a [Gate] and were soon moving through E-Rantel to the Golden Pavilion. It had been several months since he last walked the streets of the city. Their surroundings were bustling with people going to and fro and no one seemed to be paying any attention to the occasional undead guard. Seeing this place, which was once nearly dead, so alive with activity, filled him with a sense of accomplishment.

Many of the passers-by would greet Darkness, and he saw several younger men looking lustfully at Narberal, who smiled disdainfully in return. They didn’t run into Blue Rose on the way to the Pavilion, but when they entered, they saw several members relaxing at the lounge.

The two sides greeted each other.

“Welcome back, Momon-sama. I heard you’ve accomplished many heroic deeds during the liberation of the Draconic Kingdom,” Evileye said, her eyes filled with admiration.

“Although it was a hard-fought campaign, I am sure your group could have done the same,” Momon replied with a nod.

“I thought there was a minotaur warrior that was quite powerful, the one that beat Crystal Tear. Someone like that could’ve been a problem for us,” Gagaran said with a shrug.

“Momon-sama, there is something I want to talk to you about,” Evileye didn’t beat around the bush.

“And I suppose this conversation should not be public?” Ainz asked while ignoring the chuckle Nabe made as she cast a disparaging look at the masked girl.

Tia and Gagaran exchanged knowing looks, while Evileye voiced her agreement.

“In that case, let’s speak about in my room,” Momon offered.

“In Momon-sama’s ro-room?” Evileye suddenly began to stutter, while the other two women rolled their eyes.

“Yes, please, come along” he confirmed, before turning around and leading the way.

The Golden Pavilion was the top inn in E-Rantel, and Darkness occupied the best unit, which consisted of two bedrooms and a living room. Nabe said that she was too tired after their journey and excused herself, while the others settled in the living room.

“Evileye-dono, you said there was something you wished to speak to me about,” Momon said after everyone settled in their seats.

“Ah, y-yes,” Evileye said in a panicky voice.

“We have been approached by an agent of the Slane Theocracy recently, he made us a certain offer. He claimed that you had also received and agreed to a similar proposition,” Tia said after shaking her head at her teammate’s behavior.

“I see. Then, could you tell me, what was this offer about?”

“It concerned the Theocracy’s plans for the Sorcerer Kingdom,” Tia said.

“So, they invited you too? I was indeed approached by them and had given my conditional agreement,” Momon nodded.

“Do you mind me asking what these conditions were?” Tia asked.

“Not at all. I had three, the guarantee of the safety of E-Rantel’s citizens. The ability to deal with Jaldabaoth when he revives. And, of course, a plan of attack that has a reasonable chance of success.”

“Those are all good conditions,” Gagaran nodded with a thoughtful look.

“Momon-sama, has the Theocracy met your conditions,” Evileye asked, apparently she got over her nervousness of talking to Momon.

“So far they had only met the first condition,” he shook his head. “But, they still have nearly a year, and it appears they are still gathering allies.”

“Then, if they were meet your other conditions, you would join them?”

“I would.”

“If Momon-sama is willing to act, then I also will,” Evileye exclaimed.

“Don’t rush your horses. Momon-san, why would you join a fight against the Sorcerer King? While undead hating all living is common sense, he had not conducted any massacres. And though it’s hard to believe, the people in this city seem to be enjoying their new lives. Are you not afraid that if your attack fails, the undead will retaliate against the citizens you wish to protect so strongly?” Tia’s question was an obvious one, and Ainz had prepared and refined his answer the previous night.

“It is as you say, Tia-san. However, the conflict between the Sorcerer Kingdom and the Theocracy is unavoidable. Even if the undead makes no moves against them, due to their religious believes it is impossible for the Theocracy to neighbor such a nation. Even if the top brass wanted peace, the commoners wouldn’t stand for it,” Momon shook his head. “Since a battle is inevitable, I can only choose to support them or stand idly by and watch.”

After his heavy words, the room was submerged in silence, as everyone reflected on his thoughts. Blue Rose members had discussed this among themselves and had also come to the conclusion that the Theocracy would end up fighting the Sorcerer Kingdom, regardless of whether they joined the strike alliance or not.

“Then, does Momon-san believe the Theocracy’s plan can succeed,” Gagaran asked?

“They haven’t gathered all of their forces yet. But, logically speaking, is now not the best time to strike? Attacking after the Sorcerer King revives would be much, much harder,” Momon shrugged. “In the end, I have no choice. The Theocracy will carry out this attack, even if they have to do it alone. Should they fail, it’s likely the undead will choose to wipe out their whole nation. It’s easier than trying to re-educate the populace, and would serve as an example to others,” he sighed dejectedly.

“Momon-sama is a great hero. You should not blame yourself for anything that undead monster might do,” Evileye tried to reassure him.

“Your words soothe my soul, Evileye-san,” Momon said.

“Then, then, if Momon-sama is going to fight, I will fight too,” Evileye exclaimed.

“Hold on, Momon-san is still waiting for the Theocracy to fulfill his conditions. We shouldn’t make our decision so rashly either,” Gagaran admonished her.

“Well, we now have a clear understanding of the situation and will discuss this matter among ourselves. Thank you for your honesty, Momon-san,” Tia said.

“It’s only right. The decision you’ll make could determine your life. Though I do hope Evileye-san will join. Fighting beside such a competent person fills me with great comfort,” Momo replied.

Evileye blushed under her mask. Ah, Momon-sama is flattering me. How can I claim to be competent compared to his unmoving determination? Despite such thoughts, she was delighted at his words. While her comrades rolled their eyes, Evileye made a resolution right then and there. I must follow the man who stole my heart, even if the road he walks on leads to Hell!

 

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