Chapter 5, Part 12

Upon stepping through the [Gate], Lakyus found herself in the courtyard before the Valencia Palace. There seemed to be more guards than usual, but Lakyus paid it no heed, turning around she addressed the other four ladies.

“I am going to check on Princess Renner. Momon’s words have left me feeling uneasy,” she informed the others.

“Do you want us to come with you?” Tia asked.

“That might be difficult,” Gagaran interjected, motioning towards something behind Lakyus..

Turning around, Lakyus saw that they were being quickly surrounded by dozens of soldiers, weapons drawn and ready for battle. Blue Rose members drew their weapons reflexively and prepared for the confrontation.

“Throw your weapons and don’t try anything funny if you want to live!” One of the soldiers ordered in a commanding tone. Lakyus eyes darted from side to side as she took in her surroundings. Going by their insignia, those are all Marquis Raeven’s men. But, I thought he hasn’t returned to court since the Massacre. I don’t see any regular castle guards either, the thoughts quickly flitted in Lakyus’s mind.

“Please calm down, we mean you no harm.” Lakyus exclaimed as she lowered her sword. “ I am Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra, a noble of this kingdom and leader of Blue Rose, an adamantite-ranked adventurers group. And these are the other members,” She identified herself and the others, as she pulled out an adamantite plate that hung on a thin chain from her neck.

The soldiers surrounding them all took a subconscious step back when they heard the word ‘adamantite-ranked.’ Seeing that the imminent fight has been delayed, Lakyus tried to continue this approach and try to learn more about what was happening.

“Put your weapons away,” She told the others as she sheathed her sword. “Would you mind telling us what’s going on here? We have just returned, and were absent from the Kingdom for several weeks.” Lakyus asked the man who gave the orders previously.

“Before I answer your question you’ll have to answer one of mine. Why did you come here?” The man replied.

“We didn’t do it on purpose, this is simply where we were transported after stepping through the portal spell that was opened for us. As to why we were sent here of all places, I am unsure,” Lakyus explained.

“And who was it that opened this, portal?” The man asked, looking at Evileye inquisitively.

“You gotta be joking,” Evileye mumbled in response to the implication in the man’s stare, “the amount of power you would need to open a portal over such a distance is simply ridiculous.”

“The portal spell was cast by the Sorcerer King,” Lakyus stated plainly.

It’s a gamble as to how these men will react to this information. The Sorcerer King is rather hated by many. But, it should move the conversation forward, otherwise we might be going back and forth over why we came here and who sent us, Lakyus thought.

Indeed, the man seemed to have lost what little vigor he had retained after learning that Lakyus and her comrades were adamantite-ranked adventurers. The man looked somewhat lost as his gaze swept over his subordinates, who were still holding weapons at the ready.

“And why did the Sorcerer King send you?” He finally asked after a short silence.

“He didn’t send us, rather we were sent home after a certain… business we had with the Sorcerer King,” Lakyus explained before adding: “Perhaps the portal led here so I could check on Princess Renner. The Sorcerer King did mention that something had happened in the Kingdom.”

Silence reigned over the scene once more, as the man contemplated what he heard. After a brief period, he came to a decision.

“Stand down. Return to your posts.” He ordered the men under his command, before addressing Lakyus and her group. “Regarding your question, some very important events had taken place in Re-Estize. My Lord, Marquis Raeven, stepped in to restore order to the city and the kingdom. Our forces have taken over the Valencia Palace, as well. It is expected that King Zanac will announce his abdication tomorrow.”

“What?” Tia and Tina gasped.

“Nobles, what else would you expect,” Evileye sounded from behind her mask.

“What about Princess Renner? Has anything happened to her?” Lakyus asked worriedly, looking the man in the eyes.

“Princess Renner is… in good health,” the man replied while averting his gaze.

“That… I would like to seek an audience with Princess Renner. Is that possible?” Lakyus decided not to ask about the man’s peculiar behavior and focus on the issue that mattered.

After thinking about her request for a moment, the man spoke: “I am unable to make such a decision. I will send word of your desire for an audience with the Princess.”

After Lakyus nodded, the man returned to the castle entrance, telling something to the nearby soldiers, two of whom quickly went inside. Lakyus and her group remained some distance away, as they began to discuss this news.

Lakyus didn’t partake in the conversation, as she was focused on her own thoughts. Listening absentmindedly to the other’s chatter, it seemed that they all felt in agreement, abdication meant death to the former king and either death or exile to his immediate family.

Could this be the reason the Sorcerer King had only let us go now? So that we couldn’t prevent these events? No, that makes no sense. We don’t partake in the Kingdom’s politics, and we are still in time to save Renner. If we were to fight for her, only another adamantite group could stop us, and I doubt uncle would fight me at Raeven’s request. The undead’s schemes aside, let’s focus on the situation at hand. The fact that my request for an audience is being considered strongly suggests that Renner won’t be executed. Then it’s exile. Having come to this conclusion Lakyus shared it with the others.

“I sure hope you’re right,” Evileye said after listening to Lakyus’s thoughts.

“It’s not like anyone can stop us even if we had to fight to rescue the Princess,” Gagaran shrugged and flexed her impressive muscles.

“We’d be branded as traitors and would have to flee the Kingdom. And even if we stayed, banking on our combat prowess, being faced with looks of hatred and distrust would be no picnic,” Evileye’s voice betrayed a hint of sadness as she retorted.

“We don’t even know the situation at hand, no need to get all sad over a hypothetical scenario,” Tina patted Evileye on the back.

“Why would I feel sad about something like that?” Evileye said indignantly.

“Ahem,” Lakyus coughed loudly, “Tina’s right. Let’s wait and see what happens before we get carried away.”

Tia, Tina, and Gagaran nodded in response. As much as they liked to joke around and tease each other, this clearly wasn’t the time for that. As such they returned to discussing the abdication and what it meant for the kingdom. For her part, Evileye chose to remain silent, her mask hiding the emotions on her face.

Soon, the two soldiers that were sent out returned one after another. After listening to them, the leader of the soldiers moved toward the group of adventurers, who have turned to face him as well.

“Lakyus-san, your request for the audience with Princess Renner has been granted,” he declared, “However, the Princess would like to see you alone.”

“Please give us a moment,” Lakyus said before turning away and huddling together with the other members.

“This seems strange, since when had Princess Renner been shy about seeing us?” Tina voiced.

“Could this be a trap? If you were to get caught, they could use you as a hostage to restrain us,” Tia nodded in agreement.

“You don’t think Red Drop would agree to capture you, would they?” Evileye asked looking at Lakyus.

“I… don’t think uncle would do such a thing,” Lakyus shook her head. Our relationship has been rather strained lately, but I am still his niece, she thought. “We still don’t know the details of what is happening, and if we were to cause a ruckus here it could negatively affect Renner. I will comply with the request and come alone. You lot wait for me here and stay alert in case something unexpected happens.”

“You got it.” Gagaran nodded energetically.

“Stay safe, leader,” Tia added with a smile.

With the matter settled, Lakyus turned around and addressed the leader of the soldiers.

“I will comply with the request and come alone,” she announced while advancing.

“Very well, I’ll have one of my soldiers escort you to Princess Renner’s quarters,” the man replied, giving the order to one of the nearby men.

Princess’s quarters huh? Well, I guess house arrest makes more sense than being thrown into a prison, especially since the king hasn’t abdicated yet, Lakyus thought as she stepped inside the Valencia Palace.

Lakyus didn’t bother talking to the escorting soldier as she walked through the Palace. As the party made their way to Renner’s chamber, she noted that soldiers were present at every corridor intersection, and every door was guarded. That’s a lot of men, I guess King Zanac is being held here as well, not just Renner, Lakyus thought.

She was all the more convinced of that idea when the group arrived at their destination, and she saw the door to Renner’s room guarded by dozens of soldiers.

“This is Lakyus-san of Blue Rose,” one of the escorting soldiers introduced her, “she’s here for an audience with the Princess.”

“Please wait a moment,” one of the guarding soldiers replied and knocked. “She is here,” he told someone after the door opened.

A moment later Climb poked his head out and looked around. Noticing Lakyus, he stepped outside.

“Lakyus-san, I am glad to hear that Blue Rose has also safely returned from the Tomb of Nazarick. However, I need to talk to you before you see the Princess,” Climb greeted Lakyus before turning to the nearby soldiers. “Could you give us a moment to discuss something in private?”

The soldiers moved away from their positions, as Lakyus approached.

“I am glad to see you in good health, too. Is something wrong with Princess Renner?” Lakyus asked worriedly.

“You could say that. I just want to inform you so you would not act rashly,” Climb paused for a bit before continuing, “Princess Renner has been turned into a monster by the Sorcerer Kingdom.”

“What?! No way. How did this happen? And why?” Lakyus exclaimed, unable to hold back her emotions, as images of disfigured, hideous-looking monster Renner filled her mind.

Climb fell silent for some time, a hurt, helpless look on his face before he spoke. “This was a part of the deal she made with the Sorcerer King to secure my freedom.”

“I, I am sorry,” Lakyus said as she patted Climb on the back, unsure of what she could say to console him. For Climb, who has dedicated himself to protecting Renner, to have her come to his rescue and pay such a heavy price for it, it must be quite a blow.

“It’s… I just have to deal with it, somehow,” he shook his head before changing the subject. “Princess Renner has been under a lot of stress due to her transformation. I wanted you to be mentally prepared when you see her.”

“It’s good that you’ve done this. If I walked in and saw a mo… a transformed Princess Renner, my reaction could have been rather hasty. But, now I am ready to face her.”

Climb looked into her eyes and nodded. He opened the door and walked in first, turning around to let Lakyus in, before closing it behind them. Lakyus’ eyes were immediately drawn to the transformed Renner, but before she could speak the Princess rushed towards her with a smile.

“Lakyus! I am glad to see you in good health. I was so worried when the Slane Theocracy was attacked and news that the strike force had failed reached me.”

“Renner… sama,” Lakyus said softly as she returned the hug, being careful not to touch the leathery wings extending from Renner’s back. The two separated and Lakyus was able to get a better look at her.

Renner’s hair has changed from blonde to silver color, making the two black, round and slightly curved horns protruding from her head all the more obvious. She wore a blue, backless dress, so it wouldn’t interfere with the dark, leathery wings protruding from her back. However, that was the extent of her changes. Her build did not reveal any changes to her strength, nor did she have long claws or sharp teeth common to monsters. Even her eyes remained the same dark-blue and filled with warmth.

“What?” Renner asked when she saw a relieved expression surfaced on Lakyus’s face.

“It’s just, you look a lot better than what I imagined when Climb told me…” Lakyus’s voice trailed off, not wanting to continue.

“Ah yes, I am lucky to have retained most of my human appearance. Still, I am undeniably a monster now,” she added as she brought her hand up to her hair and used a finger to tap on one of the horns protruding from her head, the folded, leathery wings lightly fluttering behind her.

“How are you feeling now? Has your mind been affected in any way? I’ve spent some time with Brain Unglaus, who was turned into a vampire, his transformation had a very strong effect on his mind.” Lakyus asked feeling worried once again, as she recalled the bizarre mood swings Brain experienced.

“Um, it doesn’t hurt or anything, and I don’t think my mind has been affected in any way,” Renner said with a contemplative look on her face. “Although, sleeping with those things is a bit of an issue,” she added lightheartedly gesturing toward her wings.

“But how did this happen?” Lakyus asked.

“Climb should’ve mentioned it already,” she halted her words and shifted her gaze to toward Climb, “Can you wait outside? The two of us need to talk in private.”

“As you wish, Renner-sama,” Climb bowed in response and left the room.

“Come, Lakyus, let’s have tea while I tell you everything,” Renner invited her as she walked to a table and began pouring fragrant tea into two cups. Once Lakyus settled into a chair, tea cup in hand, Renner began her story. By the end of it, Lakyus could only feel awed by Renner’s bravery and quick thinking.

“The Sorcerer King’s servant came here and told you that you were responsible for sending Climb and Brain Unglaus with the strike force, and that your punishment would be death. But rather than panicking or begging for your life, you’ve managed to strike a deal, securing not just your own life but Climb’s too?” Lakyus said shaking her head in disbelief. “I am afraid even high-ranking adventurers wouldn’t be able to match your nerves of steel in such circumstances.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I had never been more scared in my life, but I couldn’t just give up, I had to do something,” Renner confessed.

“Still, offering to work for the Sorcerer King seems like an odd choice,” Lakyus voiced as she sipped her tea.

“Based on what I knew, it appeared that the Sorcerer King was short on capable servants. Or rather, short on servants capable of diplomacy and governance. He clearly has no lack of powerful creatures. As such my offer to work for the Sorcerer King held certain merit. While, I have no governing experience, being a royal I had obviously been schooled in diplomacy and etiquette. Plus, the ruler of the Baharuth Empire, Jircniv, had apparently mentioned me to the Sorcerer King,” Renner explained in a methodical manner.

“Why would he do that?”

“Although most of my ideas for improving the lives of the Kingdom’s citizens had been rejected by the local nobles, Jircniv had apparently found many of them worthwhile enough to be implemented in the Empire. It seems my name came up when the Sorcerer King inquired about individuals that would make good governors and administrators.”

“Such a thing happened? But why didn’t the nobles of the Kingdom not realize it?” Lakyus wondered.

“Jircniv made sure to obfuscate the origins of these ideas. He would have various nobles and ministers pass them off as their own. He would also seek to modify them slightly, or wait for a while before announcing them, by which point most would forget that I had suggested a similar idea in the past,” Renner sounded sad and regretful as she explained.

“The foolish nobles of the country never disappoint,” Lakyus shook her head dejectedly, “But why transform you? Doesn’t your new form make it harder to interact with people, much less govern them?”

“The servant of the Sorcerer King laughed at my offer to work for his master. Just when it seemed I was finished, he explained that my offer wasn’t bad, but a single human life wasn’t a long enough punishment for my sins. Desperate, I offered to work for the Sorcerer King eternally, if they had a way to extend my lifespan. The servant laughed once more and said they could indeed do so. And, well, you see the results,” Renner hung her head low as she finished.

“It almost seems like the Sorcerer King was more interested in your working for him than actually punishing you. But, shouldn’t he be afraid that you would conspire against him?”

“Conspire with whom? The Theocracy, the strongest human nation, had fallen in just two weeks. Only the Dragon Lords remain as a powerful force. But given what I’ve become, the Dragon Lords are more likely to destroy me than to ally with me. And even fellow humans are likely to show distrust due to my new nature.” After a short pause Renner continued. “I’ve learned my lesson. Trying to go against the Sorcerer King is a fool’s errand and will only be met with misfortune.”

“It’s hard to disagree with your assessment after what I’ve witnessed. But the thought of giving up leaves a bad taste in my mouth,” Lakyus shook her head.

“What else can we do? Besides, it’s not so bad. Look at the Empire, they were the first to declare themselves a vassal of the Sorcerer Kingdom. It’s been several years since, and the Baharuth Empire has prospered under the Sorcerer Kingdom.”.

“You mean to say that the undead isn’t so bad,” Lakyus nodded after being unable to answer Renner’s question.

“Good or bad are subjective terms. The Sorcerer King doesn’t go out of his way to cause death and suffering. But he will absolutely destroy anyone who stands in his way with not a hint of mercy or regret. Submit and we’ll be allowed to prosper, fight and we’ll be destroyed.” Renner said with a serious look on her face.

“That’s quite an arrogant approach,” Lakyus gave a short, tense laugh.

“It’s the arrogance of the strong.”

“Since we couldn’t beat him, you chose the next best thing – attempt to safeguard the Kingdom’s citizens from any more suffering. And working for the Sorcerer King would put you in the best position to accomplish that goal,” Lakyus nodded. I guess her offer to the undead wasn’t a spur of the moment decision, but something she had thought long and hard about. Lakyus thought as another idea flashed through her mind. “Then this coup by Marquis Raeven?”

“Yes, the Sorcerer King is the one pulling the strings from the shadows,” Renner confirmed Lakyus suspicions.

“Was it him that created the situation that allowed for the coup as well?”

“Perhaps. Although, the nobles of these country do a great job at scheming against each other of their own accord. It’s entirely possible that the Sorcerer King simply seized an opportunity when he saw the mess that Kingdom was in,” Renner shrugged.

“And it was the Massacre that plunged the Kingdom into such a chaotic state. Could the Sorcerer King have already planned for this eventuality at that time?” Lakyus mumbled. The Lizardmen were convinced that the undead was a God-like existence. I’ve dismissed it on the account of them being a simple tribe with little culture, but what if they were right? What if he really is such a being? Lakyus felt herself shudder at the thought.

“That would be even more terrifying than the power he wields,” Renner said as the cup in her hands trembled.

Heavy silence hung in the air, as they contemplated on what it would mean if the Sorcerer King’s ability to scheme was on such a level. Renner was the first to regain her composure. Shaking her head violently, as if trying to get rid of the thoughts filling it, she slapped the table with both hands.

“Enough about that! Why don’t you tell me what happened to you? Climb said that you spent the entire time inside the Sorcerer King’s domain. What was it like?” Renner asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“I’ve seen quite a few things there, and it would take a while to tell you everything,” Lakyus paused before adding with a smile, “we’ll need more tea.”

As Renner busied herself, Lakyus leaned back in her chair and felt herself relax for the first time since stepping through the [Gate]. Renner is right, the future of the Kingdom, the scheming undead and all that other stuff can wait. Right now I should simply rejoice at being able to witness this scene once more, and enjoy Renner’s company.

***

There were several stacks of documents on Ainz’s desk: urgent reports, non-urgent reports, foreign intelligence, domestic economy and more. Ainz himself was staring at yet another report, however, he was too preoccupied with his thoughts to pay attention to the text before his eyes. The day of his speech for the Re-Estize Kingdom was tomorrow, yet he hadn’t come up with anything beyond some vague notions.

There are nine million people in the Kingdom, and we are going to absorb them into the Sorcerer Kingdom just like that? Ainz thought as the feeling of dull annoyance he felt ever since the meeting with the Guardians returned once more. At least the nobles can be reasoned with, but how am I supposed to convince the commoners to accept my rule? Not to mention, at least a million of them probably has a family member that I killed at the Katze Plains.

He finally gave up on trying to read the paper he held, putting it back on top of one of the stacks. Leaning back in his chair, he let his thoughts run freely. What are Albedo and Demiurge thinking? Instead of having Renner become the next ruler, she turned into a monster. Yeah, that’s going to make my job easier, turning a beloved figure into a monster. And why insist on absorbing the Kingdom outright? Installing a puppet ruler, or at least making the Kingdom a vassal state would raise less ire from the people. I just don’t understand, Ainz let out a long sigh.

He got up and began to pace back and forth. Is it because they see all of my ‘accomplishments’ and they feel pressured to perform? I’ve tried to force them to have days off, but they still work too hard. Ainz was passing by his desk when a thought struck him: Could it be because they are overworked?! Demiurge had always been the busiest of the Guardians, with all of his various experiments while also having to deal with external affairs. And Albedo is not just the Guardian Overseer, but is also acting as a Prime Minister. For all the reports I skim through, she has to deal with many more, and unlike me, she actually fully reads and comprehends them. Hmm, while they would never take their duties lightly, if I assume a combination of being overworked and the pressure to live up to, what they imagine as my expectations, it’s not impossible that their decision-making would become compromised. That would explain the rather strange choices they’ve made in this campaign. Ainz shook his head feeling disgust at himself. I am such a bad boss.

His undead emotional suppression activated, leaving him feeling weak and mentally exhausted. He needed a break. Luckily, the bed was right there, and soon he was rolling on it as his mind went blank. Over the years, the act of rolling on the bed had become a sort of relaxation therapy for Suzuki Satoru. No longer needing sleep, or being able to enjoy the comfort of a warm bed, it was the last vestige that connected his undead form to the feelings he had as a human.

Having rolled around to his heart’s content, Ainz laid on his back and stared at the ceiling, as he breathed the subtle, sweet smell that seemed to permeate the sheets of his bed. Hah, the main problem is their image of me is just too unreasonable. They fully believe that I can fix the situation in the Kingdom with a single speech. If only I was honest with them from the start… in the end, it’s all my fault. Suzuki sighed regretfully, but before he could dwell more on the past his mind seemed to snap back to reality. Think, Ainz, think. The nobles should be simple to deal with. They have things they want to keep, I can play to that and make them fall in line. Now, the commoners… Still nothing.

Ainz rolled onto his stomach and buried his skull in the sheets, taking in the sweet smell with a deep breath. It seemed vaguely familiar, something he had experienced in the past. I could rely on my luck, since my Luck attribute is influencing reality. But that sets a bad precedence. It’s all good and well, but I should come up with at least a semi-passable plan for my luck to work with. Gah, I just can’t think of anything.

Ainz ground his teeth in frustration. Perhaps I’ve been overworking myself too? I’ll need to take steps to rectify this issue. With that thought he got up from the bed and focused his mind on sending a [Message].

“Yes, father?” He heard a familiar voice in his head after his spell connected.

“I need to talk to you, come to my office,” Ainz replied mentally.

“By your will.”

*****

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