Chapter 2, Part 1

Philip glared at Samuel Elke Fenolio, the second most influential noble in the Greenhorns faction. He had invited the man to tell him of his decision to grant his trade deal with the Sorcerer Kingdom to the royal family. Surprisingly, Samuel turned out to be as stupid as he was stubborn.

I guess it’s true, you really can’t see who’s swimming naked at high tide. I thought he was smarter than this, Philip couldn’t help but sigh. If even my second in command is this stupid, what use will the others be?

“Philip-san, you can’t do this. Think of our faction – it will collapse once the trade deal is no longer in your hands,” Samuel repeated his argument once again.

“This is the best move given the circumstances. We’ll still be able to provide food to our people, garnering their good will. And it puts the royal faction into the noble’s crosshairs. We can stand back and wait for another opportunity,” Philip said. Does he understand what I am saying? Seriously, what a greedy fool.

“Another opportunity? Will there be one as good as the grain trade during the time of famine? Philip-san, we must hold on to the power we have gained, if we give up now, then there was no point in even starting the faction.” Samuel wouldn’t hear it.

“Fine, then, what’s your plan?”

“We should resist the noble faction’s attempt to seize the trade deal.”

“If we do that then the noble and royal factions will both go after us. Not to mention, Zanac could easily turn our actions into an open rebellion,” Philip shook his head.

“We don’t need to act in such a crude way. What if a rumor spread that the noble faction, in their selfish search for power, was trying to cease your trade deal, putting food supplies and millions of lives at risk? Surely, the peasants wouldn’t think kindly of those nobles.”

“I don’t think the nobles much care for the thoughts of their people.”

“Of course. But, we just need to stir things up in the capital. Get an angry mob going, then a few key people could lead it to confront the nobles in question. It wouldn’t be strange if, with everyone’s tempers flaring, something untoward happened to said nobles.”

“I see. That’s actually not a bad idea,” Philip said. I wonder why Hilma-san didn’t mention this possibility. Or has she not thought of it?

“We don’t need wide-spread riots. Just a few top nobles, to send a message to the rest. If we can crush the noble faction’s ambitions, then the royal faction will back off from going after your trade deal too.”

I guess he isn’t as stupid as he looks. Keeping the trade deal for myself is much better than giving it to the royal family. Still, if we act as he suggests both factions will be focused on us, Philip scratched his head while he considered the two choices.

“Samuel-san, if we go with your plan, how much time would be needed to set it into motion?”

“A few days to spread the rumors is all we need,” Samuel said.

“That fast? What about the people to incite and lead the mob?”

“Do you remember Morion Faulis Lorkat? He had recently joined our faction, with my help,” Samuel asked.

Philip nodded as an image of a repulsive man with small, beady eyes, surfaced in his mind.

“Well, Morion has some… dealings with the underworld in the capital. I’ve talked to him, and he assured me it will be simple to plant a few people to stir the mob in the way we want,” Samuel explained.

“I see. It’s been three days since the Minister’s ultimatum, a few more days should be fine. I will heed your advice, and go with your plan. Now, which nobles did you plan to go after? Philip made his decision.

“Count Lytton, obviously. Then I was thinking a few nobles that live near Lytton’s manor – to make the whole thing look like an angry mob rampaged through that area. I was also thinking about the …” Samuel was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Philip-sama, the tea is ready,” one of Philip’s maids, Ginny, announced after she was permitted to enter.

“Good, bring it in. All this talking has made me thirsty” Philip complained.

The two nobles watched in silence as Ginny arranged the cups on the table, before leaving the room with a bow.

“Let us get back to things. Who else did you think should have the bad luck of running into an angry mob?” Philip asked as he drank the tea.

“Right as I was saying, this is a chance to remove some of the young and ambitious newcomers in the noble faction. Specifically, the following,” Samuel said as he rattled off several names.

“Hm, that’s a good move. Not only would the old foundation of the noble faction get crushed, but the young trees would get cut down as well,” Philip smiled.

If this works out, that whole faction might collapse, and if it does, we’ll pick up most of the pieces, Philip thought. He could already imagine how powerful the Greenhorns would become. I might even be able to oppose the King openly, especially if Albedo-sama would agree to my plan, and to marry me.

A scream interrupted Philip’s day-dreams. For a moment he was disoriented, but another scream woke him up.

“What’s going on? It’s coming from the foyer,” Philip said as he got up, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

“We should check it out,” Samuel said as he also got up and began walking to exit the room.

With a thud, the door flew open and a cloaked figure burst into the room. It scanned the room and then lunged toward Samuel.

“Who are you? What are you doing?! Stop!” Philip shouted as he saw a dagger in the intruder’s hand.

“Stop, I am..” Samuel tried to speak.

The figure grabbed him with one hand, not letting him get away, and after speaking a few words drove its dagger into Samuel’s chest. There was a small splash of blood as the weapon was withdrawn, and then Samuel collapsed to the floor.

Philip couldn’t quite make out what the assassin said, and only caught the ending which sounded like “…isters send their regards.” He was having trouble processing what was happening. Although he was the third son of a low ranking noble, he was not accustomed to the violence of such degree. Especially when it happened so suddenly. A moment ago they were discussing their plans, how they would dismantle the noble’s faction. Now Samuel was dead and he, himself would soon… This thought snapped him into action.

“Guards! Guards!” Philip yelled as he ran for his life.

He made it to the door, and looking outside he saw one of his maids, who stood with a shocked expression staring into one of the guards laying on the floor.

“Get the guards! Get the …” Philip scream was caught short by a hand which was placed on his mouth.

The assassin had caught up to him and he was pulled back into the room. Philip could see the terrified eyes of the maid, who was frozen in place with fear. But he didn’t even have time to curse the woman. He grabbed at the hand which was covering his mouth and tried to pry it off. It didn’t work. Whoever it was, the assailant had inhuman strength.

Noble faction? A thought as to the origins of the intruder flashed through Philip’s mind. He expected to get stabbed, but for some reason that didn’t happen. Instead, several explosions rang out, seemingly coming from different corners of his estate. He then saw the assassin throw a bottle on the floor, which instantly set everything aflame upon impact.

Some more shouts came from outside the room, and a few figures could be seen behind the flames, trying to enter the room. However, they were forced to back away, as the whole place began to burn. Philip was pushed backward, as he fell the assassin came into view and then his vision turned black.

He found himself on the floor, which was covered by a heavy and seemingly luxurious carpet. The flames were gone and the surroundings had changed. What just happened? Where am I? He wondered. His eyes were attracted by the figure ahead of him – a young girl in a black evening dress with a heavy skirt. Her Pale skin, red eyes, and silver hair made her look all the more unusual.

“Who are you? And where am I?” Philip asked her as he got to his feet.

The silver-haired girl didn’t respond, though a smirk had appeared on her face. However, another voice spoke from beside him, a voice he would never forget.

“My apologies for yanking you like that, Philip-dono. But, it couldn’t be helped.”

He turned and his eyes went wide as he saw the object of his love, Albedo. She wore her usual white dress and looked as beautiful as he remembered.

“A-Albedo-sama, wha-what is going on? I thought I was going to die just now” Philip asked in shock.

“Oh, Philip-dono, how could a man of your vision die like that? I just needed to talk to you, and now seemed like an appropriate time,” Albedo said.

“Wait, then, that assassin, it was you who sent it?!” Philip cried out.

“What of it?”

“But, he killed Samuel. Now I won’t be able to use his plan… and my estate! That whole place will surely burn down,” Philip exclaimed.

“This… plan of yours, is the reason I wanted to talk to you. Could you tell me more about it?” Albedo asked.

“Um, well, we could spread a rumor that the noble faction’s selfish attempt to force their way into the grain trade with your kingdom was putting the trade deal in danger. After inciting a mob we could use it to get rid of some of the opposing nobles, while remaining hidden ourselves,” Philip explained.

“So, you wanted to use them as one would a puppet? Fascinating. But, that’s not your whole plan, is it? A man like you must have a higher goal,” Albedo smiled at him encouragingly.

I am not sure what’s going on, but it seems Albedo-sama has her own scheme for the Re-Estize Kingdom. Then, this is my chance to impress her, Philip’s mind raced.

“Yes, Albedo-sama. Once the noble faction crumbles and my Greenhorns pick up the pieces, we would be powerful enough to openly challenge the king. And with some backing from the Sorcerer Kingdom, we would be able to remove King Zanac and crown me instead,” Philip explained.

“Is that all?” Albedo said with a wide smile.

Philip tried to ignore the smirking silver-haired girl, who seemed to be amused and looked Albedo straight in the eyes.

“At that point, I would like to ask for your hand, Albedo-sama,” he said, as his heart pounded in his chest.

“Fufu, such an ambitious young man. But, what about the Sorcerer King? Once he revives, he would take back control of the Sorcerer Kingdom, and if we were to marry, you’d have to become his vassal. Can you stomach such injustice?” Albedo’s face flushed red and her wings trembled.

I’ve come this far, there is no need to play games now, Philip thought.

“Albedo-sama, I believe your current position is unworthy of you. You should be Queen of the biggest, strongest nation in this world. Help me destroy the Sorcerer King’s phylactery, and the two of us can rule this land with no opposition!” Philip exclaimed.

He felt killing intent coming from the silver-haired girl, but that was expected. She’s just a minion, as long as Albedo-sama agrees to my plan, it will be fine, Philip thought. He looked expectantly at Albedo and strained hard to her what she was mumbling.

“A Queen of the Sorcerer Kingdom… Ainz-sama’s wife… aaaahhh,” Albedo moaned lightly.

Philip was slightly concerned, he was hoping for an excited agreement. However, Albedo-sama hasn’t rejected me either, so it’s still good. Perhaps she needs some time to consider my proposal. Suddenly, a deep voice came from behind, throwing Philip’s thoughts in a disarray.

“You are right, Demiurge, this is amazing. He is completely unaware of our strings.”

“Thank you for your praise, Ainz-sama.”

“He who believes the lies will be more authentic than someone who is trying to act. No wonder he had fulfilled his role so well,” the same deep voice spoke again.

Philip turned around and was greeted by the sight of a skeleton in a luxurious black robe sitting behind a desk. Next to the desk was a man in a strange clothing, still bent in a bow. Philip’s eyes widened. Is that the Sorcerer King? But isn’t he dead? And what do they mean?

“Philip-dono, this is the first time we meet. I am Ainz Ooal Gown, the Sorcerer King. The one next to me is Demiurge,” the skeleton made the introduction.

“Ah, um, about what I-I said earlier, I didn’t mean…” Philip was at a loss of words with such a sudden change.

“Ah, there is no need to apologize. Even the best puppet is bound to take some actions of its own,” Ainz waved his hand dismissively.

“Pu-puppet?”

“Why? Of course. All of your actions are due to our scheme. All the things you have achieved are due to us pulling the right strings. What else would you call someone whose every move is under our control? A puppet is the best way to describe it,” though his skinless face didn’t allow him to smile, Ainz appeared to be in a good mood.

“I suppose I should thank you then,” Philip replied with a bow. “Then, why was I brought here?”

I don’t know what’s going on here, but there is no way what he said is true. Even if he thinks he is the puppeteer, I am the one pulling the strings! Philip tried to reassure himself, as he did his best to remain calm.

“Like all puppets, you have served your purpose,” Ainz shrugged his shoulders.

“What? No! I can still be useful. You can use me to take over Re-Estize Kingdom!” Philip shouted as he realized his life was on the line.

“Everything had been under our control from the start. It was our trade deal and because of our insistence that you let other nobles in that made the Greenhorns powerful. And who was it that gave you the idea to create a faction in the first place? The party where you’ve met Albedo? Your meeting with Hilma? It was all because of us,” Demiurge explained with a smile. “Perhaps, even your brothers’ death had been taken into account,” he added, casting a quick glance at Ainz.

“And now, our plan requires for you to die,” Albedo said, sending shivers down Philip’s spine.

“No, no, it can’t be, it simply.. can’t,” Philip mumbled as he slid to the floor.

He held his hand in front of his face, but his eyes were unfocused. Instead, he was thinking about everything that has happened to him. All of the “lucky” events of recent times. Could it really be that it was not luck, but them pulling the strings? Is it thanks to them that I got to where I am? Was it all a lie? Just how much of my life was real?!

“Now, that is the proper state for such an insolent worm,” Shalltear said as she looked at the broken man sobbing on the floor.

“Then, how do you want to punish him, Ainz-sama?” Albedo asked.

“Hmm, since he dared to lay his hand on Albedo,” here Ainz ignored Albedo’s surprised gasp, “I think it’s only proper to give him to you. You can do with him as you see fit,” Ainz said.

“Thank you, Ainz-sama. I will teach this fool the consequences of touching me,” Albedo said. “After all, this body is for Ainz-sama only,” she said.

“Why would Ainz-sama want to touch you, when he can touch my body instead?” Shalltear said with a smirk.

“What did you say?!” Albedo replied glaring at the vampire.

“Then, Demiurge, is your and Albedo’s scheme for the Re-Estize Kingdom proceeding as expected?” Ainz asked, trying to ignore the fight between the two women.

“Quite so, Ainz-sama. Everything has been set in motion.”

 

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