Chapter 5, Part 13

After ending his [Message] to Pandora’s Actor, Ainz took a seat at the table. He pushed his worries about the speech and overworking the Guardians away and began to skim through the pile of unread documents. He had gotten significantly better at the task during the two years he had played dead, and could now go through the reports at a decent pace.

After going through five letters he stumbled on one missive that seemed important and began to read it in earnest. It was a report from Demiurge that detailed the situation in the Slane Theocracy. The legions of the Baharuth Empire garrisoned in the various cities of the Theocracy maintained the appearance of peace, but the embers of rebellion were clearly present, just waiting to turn into a full-blown fire.

The idea of using the Cardinals and other top officials to control the populace produced only partial results. The change in position was just too dramatic for the underlings to accept, the fact that all of the top officials went missing for a while, and that two Cardinals never returned, didn’t help matters much. Apparently, the head of the Executive branch was killed on the spot, when the man announced that the Theocracy would fall into the Sorcerer Kingdom.

Still, after removing the more fervent citizens, the situation had been temporarily stabilized. There were no open rebellions, and the various government officials had fallen in line. As for those unwilling to accept the Theocracy’s downfall and the new order, Demiurge stated they will be dealt with via a self-selecting purge.

Ainz caressed his chin as he stared at the report in his hand, trying to guess what the demon meant by those words. The biggest problem when it came to quelling a potential rebellion was that the opponents were unknown. Anyone could be an enemy. But these people obviously wouldn’t reveal their intentions. Shaking his skull in annoyance, he gave up on deciphering the meaning of Demiurge’s words and set the sheet of paper aside.

He continued to go through the reports, skimming several more before being interrupted by a knock on the door. One of the homunculi maids entered and informed Ainz that Pandora’s Actor had arrived.

“Send him in,” Ainz told the maid.

Soon, the doppelganger entered and greeted Ainz with an exaggerated bow, making his creator feeling glad that there was no one in the room to see it.

“Thank you for coming so quickly. I wish to discuss several matters with you,” Ainz began. “Your workload has increased significantly, how are you coping with it?”

“It’s my greatest honor to serve you, father,” came the expected reply as Pandora’s Actor straightened his back and clicked his heels together, though the usual salute was absent.

“I know that,” Ainz said as he grimaced, he could feel a headache coming. “What I am asking is if you have enough free time to… to do the things you like. Something other than work related to serving Nazarick.”

“Would cataloging items in the treasury be considered as serving Nazarick?” Pandora’s Actor asked.

The question almost made Ainz face-palm. He really needs a hobby. Although, since I created him so he would love cataloging items, I guess it counts as one, even if it benefits the Tomb, Ainz thought helplessly. He coughed before continuing with his inquiry.

“I fear that Demiurge and Albedo have been forced to shoulder too much responsibility, and have become overworked. Some of their decisions in regards to the takeover of the Re-Estize Kingdom seem… questionable. What are your thoughts on it?”

The doppelganger’s face was just an egg-like head with three holes, yet Ainz got the impression of surprise from it. Pandora’s Actor took his time to think the information over.

“I believe it’s possible,” the reply finally came, followed by an explanation. “While Demiurge and Albedo are highly intelligent, there should be a limit to how many things they can keep track of without their ability being affected. Whether their schedules have pushed them to that limit, I am unsure.”

“You share my thoughts,” Ainz nodded, his fingers tapping a rhythm on the table’s surface as his mind raced: I should’ve thought of this sooner. While I can put on airs and pretend like I have some grand plan, or just bluff my way through, Demiurge and Albedo actually have to come up with their devious schemes. It stands to reason their ability to keep track of everything and adjust accordingly isn’t limitless. Worse yet, even if they noticed their ability slipping, they would just work even harder instead of asking for a reprieve. As I thought, I have relied on the two of them too heavily.

“There is another matter weighing on my mind, my speech to the citizens of Re-Estize Kingdom. I’ve figured out how to approach the nobles, but how do I convince the commoners, many of whom had family or neighbors slain by me? How can I reach them and make them follow me?” Ainz changed the subject.

“You should speak from your heart,” Pandora’s Actor offered.

“From my heart, huh?” Ainz repeated.

“You have spent time with the humans of this world as Momon. It might have been brief, but you had seen what their lives are like. Think about the difficulties they face in everyday life, about their aspirations, goals, and desires. I believe you have all the pieces of the puzzle and just need to put them together, father.” Pandora’s Actor explained in a solemn tone.

Hmm, he’s right. I’ve done something similar in the past, Moknak, Pluton Ainzach, the queens of the Holy and Draconic kingdoms, I have been able to steer them to the path I chose. The circumstances now might be more hostile than previously, but drawing on my experiences I should be able to craft something that will break through their hatred and speak to their souls, Ainz thought as ideas began to pop into his mind.

“Thank you, son, you have given me much to think about,” Ainz said as he smiled.

“To be of service to you is my greatest calling,” Pandora’s Actor replied as he once again straightened and clicked his heels together. However, this time he also saluted.

“Some things never change,” Ainz mumbled. “Carry on with your duties, I need some time to organize my thoughts.”

Once he was alone, he thought about the upcoming events. There is still that troublesome meeting with Renner, too bad I can’t prepare for it like I can for the speech. I’ll just have to hope my luck gets me through it, Ainz sighed. Pushing the distracting thoughts aside, he began to write down various ideas as he recalled his experience in the New World. Bit by bit, the body of his speech began to take shape. Ainz was filled with confidence, as he realized that perhaps for the first time, he would be prepared and wouldn’t need to wing it.

***

Soft leather chairs, several decorated tables of various sizes, light, soft colors, and large windows that brought plenty of sunlight. The king’s office in the Valencia palace was clearly designed with comfort in mind. However, it was powerless to dissolve the tension which hung in the air.

Zanac sat behind one of the tables, near a window. His fingers tapped a rhythm on the table’s surface as he absentmindedly scanned the room. Marquis Raeven was on the opposite side of the office. He sat unmoving, his back straight, staring into space… Zanac couldn’t see his face, due to Marquis sitting sideways, but it was clear the man was lost in thought.

Zanac sighed and moved his gaze to the middle of the room where Princess Renner was sitting on a couch. Despite a tea set, which stood on a coffee table in front of her, she was the only one with a cup in her hands, as both Raeven and Zanac declined it.

I guess she has already faced the Sorcerer King’s servants and suffered at their hands. It’s unlikely they would do anything else to her, on the other hand… Zanac shook his head trying to push the thought away. I need to relax. Going into this all psyched out, and with a negative mindset won’t do. One wrong word and the results could be disastrous.

“You know, I will have that tea,” he suddenly said.

“Let me make you a cup,” Renner responded with a smile. Raeven didn’t seem to even notice.

Looking at Renner preparing his cup, Zanac opened his mouth, then closed it without saying anything. What would I even say? “Sorry for giving an order to kill you. I overreacted.” That kind of excuse would cause more harm than good, he thought as he continued to observe her absentmindedly. No, it’s better to let sleeping dogs lie. Besides, with her intellect, she probably already guessed my thoughts on this matter. He was brought back to the present by a clunking noise when Renner placed a cup of tea on the table near him.

“What?” Renner asked noticing his stare.

“Um, it’s nothing,” Zanac waved his hand. “It’s almost time,” he changed the subject after glancing at a miniature clock on a nearby bookshelf.

“Yes,” Renner nodded after looking at the clock.

Zanac noted some movement from Raeven, it seemed like their short conversation had awakened the man from his contemplation. The marquis looked around, then got up and went to the table with the tea set and began preparing a cup for himself. Renner returned to her seat, and the room once again returned to silence, though the tension was slightly reduced.

Time passed slowly as the three of them sipped their tea in silence, each deep in their own thoughts. Suddenly, an oval of darkness appeared in the middle of the room, wisps of colorful energy flowing inside of it. Startled, Zanac jumped out of his seat, Raeven didn’t fare much better, the cup he was holding fell and shattered after hitting the floor as he tried to back away. Renner was startled but remained seated after her initial reaction.

A few moments later, a woman stepped out of the portal and took in her surroundings.

“I am Yuri Alpha, the Vice-Captain of the Pleiades Battle Maids,” she introduced herself with a bow.

Zanac forced his face into a smile, as he tried to present a calm appearance. Looking at the woman, he was struck by her otherworldly beauty. The woman had a strict look on her face, not unlike the caretakers Zanac and his siblings had when they were young. The glasses she wore only served to reinforce this initial impression. Her black hair was tied into a low-cropped bun at the back of her head. Dressed in a maid’s uniform, the large, spiked metal gauntlets seemed completely out of place.

What’s with their titles? Guardian Overseer, now a Vice-Captain of the Pleiades Battle Maids, I have no idea what position she actually holds in the Sorcerer Kingdom, Zanac thought with a bit of annoyance.

“Please follow me. Ainz-sama is waiting for you,” Yuri informed them. With that, she stood expectantly next to the dark oval, waiting for the three of them to come over.

Zanac gulped. Renner said that we would meet with the Sorcerer King, but she didn’t say anything about going through a portal. He cast a glance at Raeven and saw that the Marquis was no more thrilled at the idea than him. However, Renner appeared unperturbed as she stood up and came over to the maid.

“There is nothing to be afraid of, there is no chance of this [Gate] transporting you to an unintended place or harming you in any way,” Yuri assured them sensing their tension.

What am I hesitating for? If the Sorcerer King wanted to abduct me he could just do it, there is no need to play any tricks, Zanac realized.

“Yes, of course. I was just taken aback by your beauty,” he spoke loudly, his voice slightly coarse, as he walked over.

Raeven seemed to have come to the same conclusion as well. Seeing that everyone was ready, Yuri smiled at them.

“Please, follow me,” she said before stepping through the [Gate] while the others followed behind her.

As he stepped through the dark oval, Zanac found himself in a large, well-lit place that looked like a waiting room. The floor was covered with a fluffy deep-red carpet, while several couches were arranged around a coffee table made out of dark wood.

As Zanac took in his surroundings, his gaze stopped at four beautiful women in maid uniforms, standing a little away from where the portal was located. A brown-skinned redhead with a playful smile, a large-chested blonde with spiral curls and a smile that oozed sex appeal, a girl with long golden red hair wearing an eye-patch, and a girl with mauve hair with twin looped chignon, wearing a strange dress. Zanac felt something was off about the facial expression of the last one, but he didn’t want to stare. Still, just a cursory glance was enough to tell that all four were beauties whose looks could rival his sister’s.

“Welcome to Nazarick,” the four maids said in unison and gave a bow after everyone stepped through the portal. “Please, wait here for your audience,” they added, moving aside and pointing at a set of couches and a table with some sort of refreshments.

Zanac and the others thanked them for their hospitality and moved toward the indicated area when Yuri called Zanac’s name.

“Zanac-sama, Ainz-sama is waiting for you, please follow me.”

“Lead on,” Zanac said his face splitting into a smile. I am first huh? Makes sense I guess, my abdication is the first step in their plan, he thought following Yuri.

The place they entered left Zanac speechless. It was a large, theater-like domed room, along the walls were three rows of niches each housing a statue of a demon, though a few of them were empty. Four colored lamps in the form of monsters hung from the ceiling, providing plenty of light. Zanac had a sneaking suspicion that they actually were monsters, but then the statues looked so realistic one would be forgiven for thinking they were alive. At the opposite end of the room stood a pair of giant doors. Over five yards in height, they were covered in intricate carvings. The left side depicted a beautiful goddess, while the right resembled a cruel demon. The design was so realistic that Zanac half expected them to spring to life as they approached. The whole place gave off a majestic if eerie feeling.

This is how you set the tone, anyone who walked through this place would have their heart beat with the trepidation of what comes next, Zanac thought while crossing the hall. As they approached, the giant doors swung open.

“Please enter Zanac-sama, I will wait for you here,” Yuri said after turning around and moving aside to let him through.

Zanac thanked her and slowly advanced towards the throne room, which was even more impressive than the hall preceding it. Its size was enormous, big enough to fit several hundred people. Numerous chandeliers made of precious stones hung from the high ceiling emitting dream-like colorful lights. The walls were painted white with a golden design. Dozens of flags, each emblazoned with a different symbol, hung down from the flagpoles embedded into the walls along the length of the room. A red carpet led from the door to the dais, on which stood a massive dark throne, its back reaching all the way up to the ceiling, a huge red banner with the symbol of the Sorcerer Kingdom acted as the backdrop.

The throne was, predictably, occupied by the Sorcerer King. Dressed in a dark robe that seemed to suck the light out of the surroundings, a luxurious golden necklace rested against his chest. In his hands, he held an intricate golden staff formed by seven interweaving snakes each one holding a differently colored gem in its mouth. Several figures stood on the dais: a man in glasses and strange clothing stood next to a girl with impossibly pale skin, her silver hair tied into a ponytail through a large ribbon, she wore a soft, black evening dress with a heavy skirt. On the Sorcerer King’s right hand was the one person Zanac recognized – Albedo, her pure white dress accentuating her beauty.

As he got closer, Zanac felt the pressure pressing down on him increase. The red lights inside the Sorcerer King’s eye sockets focused on Zanac, the heavy gaze felt as if his very soul was on display, causing him to tremble as he advanced. By the time he reached the the dais, Zanac felt convinced that his decision to forgo any schemes and to accept his fate was the right one.

“Zanac Valleon Igana Ryle Vaiself, pays his respect to the Sorcerer King,” he declared as he fell to his knees and kowtowed.

“Thank you for coming, Zanac-dono,” Ainz said after a slight pause, “please rise. Please rise.” He was about to repeat it for the third time when Zanac finally stood up.

Ugh, why is he acting like that? I knew I should’ve met him in my office, this place is too intimidating, Ainz thought his gaze moving toward Demiurge, who had insisted that the setting should be more formal. The demon had an approving smile, as he nodded upon seeing Zanac prostrate himself before the throne.

“Ahem. Let us get right to it. The situation in the Re-Estize Kingdom had reached a critical point and was about to slip out of your control, forcing me to act. The fault for this isn’t necessarily on you, rather it’s due to the political dynamic that has plagued the Kingdom for years,” Ainz began.

Cutting straight to the point, no reason not to. He’s right, it doesn’t matter who did what, the important thing is what happens now, Zanac thought as he listened attentively.

“I have no choice but to move in to stabilize the situation. At the meeting of the nobles that has been called this afternoon, you’ll announce your abdication. Then, you will introduce me, I’ll make my entrance and announce that my nation will be absorbing the Re-Estize Kingdom, as well as explain the new order. Although it’s no longer of concern to you, Marquis Raeven will be elevated to an Archduke and will rule the Kingdom’s territory on my behalf. While Princess Renner will act as my representative, as she works with Raeven. Afterwards, you will announce your abdication in front of the citizens of Re-Estize, and I’ll give a speech which should give them hope for the future and alleviate the chances of a revolt.”

That’s quite a bit of trust shown to someone who had just been punished, Zanac thought surprised when he heard the part about his sister’s role, but then understanding dawned on him. It might be a test of her loyalty. If she proves herself they will gain a capable servant if not, she would be dealt with before she could cause any significant damage.

“As for you, I see no need to execute or exile you. As I said, the fault for the Kingdom’s current state isn’t necessarily your own, rather it’s an accumulation of decades of bad management. I also need capable servants to help me manage my new nation. After the business in the Kingdom concludes, you will be moved to the border of the former Draconic and Beast kingdoms.” After a brief pause, Ainz looked to his left and gave an order. “Demiurge, explain what’s happening there.”

“Yes, Ainz-sama. Both kingdoms have recently become part of the Sorcerer Kingdom. However, the history between the two, and especially the recent invasion by the Beast Kingdom has led to a very tense relationship. We wish to intervene before this tension erupts into open hostility. As an outsider, you’ll be an impartial overseer, as you help the former queen of the Draconic Kingdom and work to diffuse the volatile relationship between the two nations,” Demiurge explained.

“Thank you for giving me an opportunity to prove myself,” Zanac said enthusiastically as he bowed.

Huh? He’s not mad that I am essentially ousting him from his position while giving him a demotion? Maybe he disliked being king and is happy to be moved to a position with less responsibility? Being Boss isn’t easy, Ainz sighed internally. The prolonged silence caused Zanac to shift uneasily.

“I shall put my all into helping Draudillon Oriculus resolve the issues plaguing the region and demonstrate just how much I treasure this chance you have given me,” Zanac declared as he eyed the other three figures on the dais to gauge their reactions. The silver-haired girl seemed uncaring, the man in glasses seemed satisfied, though his smile sent chills down Zanac’s spine. Albedo seemed pleased as well. Having thus confirmed that he hasn’t somehow offended the undead, Zanac once more focused on the undead.

However, Ainz barely heard him as he was lost in thought. Hmm, yes, being a Boss really is tough. There is always so much to do, plus all the responsibility. I’d certainly shy away from it if I could, perhaps Zanac feels the same way? At least I am undead and don’t need to eat or sleep, which gives me at least eight extra hours. I wonder how the human monarchs’ manage to do it with their shorter days.

“It must be very difficult,” Ainz said out loud. Damn it, I slipped up again, he cursed inwardly as he snapped to reality. His mind raced to come up with an appropriate follow-up. “Ahem. I mean, it must be very difficult for you. The throne you fought so hard to claim is being taken away, the country you sought to rule being given to another… being sent to a distant country as a mere government official,” Ainz spoke slowly, he paused to caress his chin, desperate to buy more time to figure out where he was going with this. “You might view these circumstances as unfortunate, but… that would be a mistake. You might’ve had the title of a king, but you were limited in what you could do, having to joust for power against the nobles, needing to constantly watch your back and avoid potential traps. But now you will represent me, wielding unlimited power in my name. Wield it well, and you will be given greater responsibility. Prove yourself capable, and in time, you might very well find yourself having power far greater than what you have given up today,” Ainz’s powerful voice reverberated through the throne room as he managed to come up with a satisfactory finish.

Zanac froze for a moment as he considered these words. He felt quite fortunate to be alive, considering what usually happened to dethroned kings. However, as he settled into his new life, it was very likely that this feeling would quickly evaporate, replaced by one of resentment and deep-burning hatred. Although he wouldn’t be able to oppose the Sorcerer King, he wouldn’t be doing his best work either. You can’t just use a stick, you’ve got to show them the carrot too. This way, the choice is up to me, do a minimally acceptable job and live a life of resentment and regret, or step up, do my best, and see myself rise to the top once more.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Your words have impacted me greatly,” Zanac said excitedly as he gave a deep bow. That’s right! This isn’t the end, it’s just an obstacle for me to overcome. It will be hard work, but the payout will be great too. Before me sits the Overlord of Death, it’s just a matter of time until he takes over this whole world. Assuming his lack of servants capable of governing is true, it shouldn’t be hard to rise through the ranks. Just how powerful of a position could I achieve if I put my mind to it? Zanac’s face split into a smile as he thought about the future.

“Mm, work hard,” Ainz said after coughing twice. “That will be all, for now.”

“Thank you again for your mercy and this opportunity, Your Majesty,” Zanac said, he gave a sincere bow and left the throne room with a spring in his step.

Following Yuri Alpha through the domed hall with the statues and back to the waiting room he realized that he hasn’t felt this energized in many months.

*****

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