Overlord (WN)

Hi guys, sorry for the late chapter. RL, also I hate this chapter. Alot.

Negotiations Part 2

Translators: Frostfire10

The surface of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick.

What in the past was a poison swamp, had changed to a grassy plain. The wind blew across the plains, causing the grass to dance along. But a white alabaster wall suddenly broke up the scenery as it grew out from the grass.

If one peeked through the gate, they would see a tomb that had several large statues of warriors scattered around.

Considering that this was in grassland, it was a very strange scene. One would want to keep away from it for no reason, and it felt extremely discomforting.

That location would make most people want to avoid it, but despite this, three carriages had been parked there. There were coachmen, along with servants who listened to the whims of the people inside.

However, it was not only them.

There were a total of six mounted warriors around the carriages. They wore full plate armour with the same crest engraved on it. They were most likely the personal soldiers of some noble.

The ones on the receiving end of the heated gazes of the warriors were a maid, a warrior, and a nobleman.

"He's late."

The maid was spoken to in a harsh voice, the speaker clearly not hiding his anger.

The one speaking was the noble-like old man.

His skin was covered in wrinkles, and he was so thin that he looked mere skin and bone. His hair was white, and on top of most of it being missing, it looked like he was bald.

On the whole, he was a man where the word lich would not be a far stretch from describing him.

"He is far too late. How long does he intend to make us wait for?"

Where can one find a person who dares to make a messenger dispatched by the King wait?

Embedding such a thought into his words, the old man glared in dissatisfaction.

"My sincerest apologies. Ainz-sama is currently rushing to prepare. Thus would it be possible for you to wait a little longer?"

The maid—Yuri Alpha, bowed her head. Her prim and proper face had an apologetic expression on it. If one was a man, they would immediately accept her apology, but this was repeated several times, no, several tens of times. THe effect weakened and the old man's dissatisfaction came bubbling forth again.

"Rather than frantic preparations, what could be more important than coming here?"

They were words of disdain. Yuri bowed deeply. However it was not clear what sort of expression she was making.

As the old man was about to continue to berate Yuri, the warrior standing at the side spoke.

While he was a warriors, removing his helm revealed a clean and respectable face. One could call it the air of a noble that it was impossible for one to gain without living that lifestyle.

He indeed was a noble of the Kingdom that held territory. And it seemed for reasonable for the soldiers accompanying him to be protecting him instead.

In fact, he, like Archel, was a member of the Noble Faction.

"Archel-dono. There is no need to be angry. He is someone who lives in the countryside like this. It is natural that he does not understand manners."

The old man known as Archel had a doubtful expression on his face.

"Even if that is the case."

While his position was higher, in terms of authority a warrior would be off more importance. Archel's attitude was certainly not something he would say to someone his grandchildren's age.

"While it is true that making a messenger from the Royal Family wait here would be extremely rude, that is from the point of view from a person that knows manners. If it were an insect or demi-human doing this, would Archel-dono say the same thing?"

"….That is true."

"Archel-dono. How about waiting inside the carriage?"

"….That is not a bad suggestion." Archel stared at the blue sky. "However, in this weather, the inside would heat up."

"Ah, yes. Without wind, it would be hot. My apologies."

The warrior apologised and lowered his head.

"….If that is the case, as I suggested earlier, we do have a drawing room, so how about waiting there?"

Yuri had made a suggestion earlier.

And again, Archel refused her instantly.

"Are you telling me to wait inside that tomb over there?"

Archel spoke without hiding his disdain at her words. Why did he had to rest inside a depressing tomb? While it was probably better than out here, he could not rest in a location that had the stench of death.

"….No that is not the case."

Yuri muddled her words as she shifted her gaze. Knowing that she was looking at the log house, Archel's face turned into one of scorn.

"Then I have to wait inside that tiny log house?"

"No…. There is a path leading to Nazarick inside."

"A path leading in to the tomb?"

"Thus, the lower floors of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick is Ainz-sama's mansion. We shall transfer to that floor—"

"Ainz…. Ainz Ooal Gown lives inside that tomb?"

"Sorry? Yes. That is correct?"

And is there a problem? Seeing Yuri's expression, Archel glared at her like he had seen something disgusting.

Using common sense, one would not need to be told what sort of person would live in a cemetery. That person would be one who had to perform a filthy occupation. Such a person would probably not have the social standing to even meet with a noble like Archel. Despite this, he was dispatched to meet with such a person. This made him extremely aggrieved.

In contrast to the silently dissatisfied Archel, Yuri felt like she had made a mistake and kept silent. Silence fell between the two of them for different reasons.

The warrior gazed upon the two with deep interest and spoke to Yuri.

"By the way, how is this lady related to Gown…. This magic caster?"

"Myself? I am one of the maids serving Ainz-sama."

"One of the maids? Then Gown is surrounded by many maids?"

"Yes. That is correct—" Yuri recalled the name of the person she was introduced to. "—Claude-sama."

"Hmm. By the way are they beauties like you?"

"….I do not know. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

As Claude replied with strange enthusiasm, his gaze moved around Yuri like he was tasting her.

Yuri's gaze fell slightly. She could understand the emotion in Claude's gaze. Lust.

Satisfied, Claude's gaze locked onto Yuri's chest.

"Can I ask something?"

"Yes, what is it?"

"You did not refute that you were a beauty."

Yuri made a confused face.

"….Because I am one."

Yuri's tone made it clear that she believed it to be obvious.

She was created by the 41 Supreme Beings to be beautiful. There was no way she would not be. To refute this would be to reject the aesthetic sense of the 41 Supreme Beings.

However, the other existences created by the 41 Supreme Beings were created with the same level of beauty as Yuri. Thus saying that she was more beautiful would be the same as insulting the the 41 Supreme Beings who created the others. Thus she had replied with her earlier words. The only exception would be if it was said by one of the 41 Supreme Beings directly. She would refuse it in such a case, in order to be humble.

Claude could not understand Yuri's thoughts and his eyes went wide. Yuri was beautiful. The women that Claude had embraced before could not match up to her, to the point that he wondered how he was satisfied before.

To the limits of Claude's knowledge, there was only one woman who could rival Yuri's beauty.

She was the woman known as [Golden].

Claude judged Yuri to be as beautiful as her.

Such a woman said that she could not say that she was more beautiful that others. Was this due to her reservation, or did the others truly equal her?

Claude swallowed.

He had thought that this job to come out to the countryside was the worst. However, if things go well, he might get something delicious.

Getting impatient once again, Archel spoke in anger.

"And when will your master arrive?"

"In a moment."

Despite her saying this, Yuri had no knowledge of when Ainz would arrive. However, only an idiot would say such a thing directly as there were only demerits in doing so. Thus, she simply spoke as if she were apologising.

However, inside she was telling them to shut up.

Hurrying the leader of the 41 Supreme Beings and the sole remaining one, caused the normally calm Yuri to feel anger. Of course, she would not make this visible.

"I heard those words earlier. On top of making me wait in such a place, you are unable to give me a definite time. Are you making fun of me, a messenger from the Royal Family?"

The level of disdain in Archel's words had increased to the point of clear hostility. In fact, he had never been made to wait before. No, he had but he had only done so while receiving the best treatment.

He had to wait in the middle of a grassy plain, without anything to shade him from the sun, or anything to drink. This experience was a first, and it made him unhappy. Even the slight sweat on his brow and the feeling of his clothes sticking to his skin.

"….No, that is not the case."

As Yuri was about to open her mouth to offer another excuse, the door to the log house opened. For an instant, Archel's vision shook and a sense of vertigo attacked him. However, since it passed quickly, Archel thought that it was just him and paid no further heed to it.

This was as there was a more important thing to pay attention to.

"—Apologies for the wait." The person who came from the log house spoke. "I am Ainz Ooal Gown."

Archel and Claude looked at him and were at a loss for words. Even Archel's desire to vent his frustrations on him had disappeared.

Ainz Ooal Gown walked out of the loghouse and towards Archel's group at a normal pace.

The first thing they noticed was the pure white mantle draped over Ainz. This was of a quality that made Archel and Claude's eyes widened. The clothes below were mostly golden and were made with fine craftsmanship.

Archel had been a messenger several times, and he had represented the Kingdom to other countries. Despite recalling all the times he had done so, he had never seen a person who wore such eye catching clothes as the man before him did.

The strange thing was that his face was covered by a mask. And he wore gloves and prevented a single piece of skin from showing.

However to Archel, such things did not matter.

He had more important things to do.

He had no choice but to accept it. Archel had judged himself to be able to not waver in the face of anything, but his spirit broke in front of Ainz.

If one became a noble like Archel, clothes held more meaning than simply covering one's skin. They were a simple method to determine what position a person held in society. One could tell the position one had, the level of authority, and the level of wealth based on their clothes.

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A king should wear clothes fit for a king, and a commoner should wear clothings befitting of a commoner.

Then Ainz Ooal Gown appeared wearing clothes that could shock Archel.

How much power did he wield?

Archel had heard that Ainz was a magic caster, but he had no idea how to treat him.

The position of a magic caster in the Kingdom was not high. If this were the Empire, it would be much higher due to the legend known as Fluder. However there were none in the Kingdom (well there were Palace Magicians but such individuals also held territory as nobles) and thus their position were equated with craftsmen.

Thus he could talk down to Yuri, the maid of a magic caster. This was because her social standing was low.

However the clothes Ainz wore clearly stated that his position was not low. Thus he was not a simple magic caster, but was also something else, so their treatment of him should naturally change.

Archel immediately rectified his shaken heart. Considering that Claude was still taken aback, this was a quick recovery.

This was due to their difference in experience.

"Hmm, you are Ainz Ooal Gown."

"Yes…. That is the case."

Ainz replied curtly and the two fell into silence.

Ainz forced down his unease and merely gazed at the silent Archel.

Any human who had been interviewed would feel a strong awkward silence had they been here.

Archel looked at Ainz again. This was to determine how he should act.

Archel's job to inform Ainz Ooal Gown of the King's words was the most important. The next was to determine if such a person could be brought in the Noble faction which he was a part of.

It was necessary to gain some information about Ainz Ooal Gown.

Thus his first hand would be to pressure him. He would toss a stone into the water and examine the waves.

"….If you were there while did you not come out?"

Ainz could not understand what Archel was saying.

This was a simple difference in knowledge. In Ainz's head, the log house was a path to Nazarick. He was not waiting there in particular. Thus he did not understand what was being said, so he had a confused air about him.

In front of the absent minded Ainz, Archel felt that words were not enough and aimed to create guilt by pointing out that fact.

Repeating the same thing would weaken the effect. Archel thus forcefully threw the words out of his throat.

"Even though you were in the log house, why did you not come out?"

"Ah! No no, there is a path in the log house that leads to Nazarick where I live. I have arrived from there."

"The path that the maid talked about…. I am the messenger dispatched by His Majesty. Archel Nizun Fondoll. And he is—" Archel pointed at the warrior. "— the man who has protected me on the way here Claude Raunales Lokia Culbelk-dono."

"Nice to meet you. Gown-dono."

"I hope to get along with you."

Ainz lightly bowed his head. Seeing that, Archel was secretly confused.

Ainz's response showed no traces of loyalty. Archel was a part of the Noble Faction and thus held no loyalty for the king. However if he was told that something was the order of the King, he would at least fake it and expect his sincerity.

He could not feel any such emotion from Ainz. Even a commoner would abase themselves. Even those of other countries.

His figure spoke that throughout his life he had no exposure to authority.

As if arriving at the same conclusion, Claude moved next to Archel and whispered.

"He's like an adventurer."

Ah, and Archel understood.

Strength was all that mattered, they had no standing nor blue blood, and they would turn their noses at the hierarchical society. They were painfully similar to the type of people that Archel hated the most. He could then understand the clothes that Ainz wore.

The amount of wealth an excellent adventurer earned was on another level. It was to the point that a noble like Archel could not even begin to compare.

If Ainz Ooal Gown was an adventure of that level, it was possible for him to own such high quality clothes.

As Archel thought in silence, Ainz spoke to Yuri.

"Yuri. Return first."

"B, but…. Is that fine?"

"Ah. Prepare to welcome them."

"Understood."

Yuri bowed and walked towards the log house. Looking at her shrinking figure, Claude made a small sigh. Although, his gaze was focused around her buttocks.

"Then….I would like to confirm something before I inform you of His Majesty's words, but what is that mask?"

"It is a magical item."

"Remove it."

Ainz stopped moving. Should he remove it, his undead face would be revealed. He could not show such a thing. Thus he thought it was time for the Death Knight located inside the log house to make its appearance. He believed that he could use the same excuse as the time he spoke to Gazef.

"….Apologies, but I cannot remove it."

"You intend to receive His Majesty's words with that mask? Do you not believe that that is rude? Do you not even have that level of manners?"

"No, that is not the case. I am fully aware of how rude it is. However, it is due to magical reasons. Should I remove my mask, many people may get hurt."

Hearing the word hurt, Archel's brows furrowed.

He had heard from the king that Ainz was a masked magic caster. There was a possibility that the man underneath was a different person, but checking that was not Archel's job.

Commanding him to remove his mask was an attempt to one up Ainz. Should injuries occur, he had no confidence to take responsibility. It would also be dangerous if Claude were to be injured.

Thus, Archel took back his words.

"….Then it cannot be helped."

"Thank you very much."

"….Then I shall inform you of His Majesty's words."

He did not want to do such a thing in a plain, and even more next to a tomb, but work was work. He had to do it.

Archel pulled out a rolled up parchment. He presented it to Ainz with both hands to allow him to confirm that the Royal Crest was imprinted on the seal.

In response, Ainz reached out his hands. He thought that Archel intended to hand it to him. Considering how he was holding it with two hands, Ainz reached out with both. Ainz referenced the act of swapping name cards.

This was not wrong. If Archel was not here it would be the proper course of action. However if there was an official messenger doing it, this was extremely rude.

"What!"

Archel rolled up the scroll in panic. He was in shock due to Ainz's actions.

If one was of a higher position this would be normal, but if one was not of the same rank, there would be a messenger in between. This was to allow both parties to be equals. Thus the messenger.

There was no such thing in the Kingdom or Empire but depending on the country the king would not speak directly to his subjects and instead there would be several intermediaries. This was to preserve the image of the king as a holy symbol.

"Did something happen?"

Ainz voice was full of doubt.

Hearing this, Archel made a sour look. Claude had an amused expression. From this short conversation, they could tell that Ainz Ooal Gown had no manners, and no knowledge of high society.

Proper etiquette would natural change depending on the country. However there was some level of some level of commonality. Not knowing even this would mean that one was completely clueless of the surrounding countries.

In the end, Archels' evaluation of Ainz Ooal Gown fell to the point where he was nothing more than a rude demi-human. As if he were something who would eat a full course, not with knife and fork, but with bare hands.

The fact that the clothes he wore could not be bought by Archel only served to aggravate him.

—Why does such a person have such clothes….

Archel did not notice it, but jealousy took up most of his heart. A demi-human like person who had no manners was wearing clothes that he could only dream of. He was extremely disgruntled.

If a person who was much worse off than you, brought a partner that was much more superior than yours, you would feel envy. This was how Archel's heart reacted.

Archel's gaze burned with arrogance.

Ainz could not hide his surprise at the fact that Archel remained silent.

Why did he not say anything?

It seemed like he had made a mistake, but he had no clue toas what it was.

—So I should have brought Sebas.

Since he had done various things in the Kingdom, he thought that he could gloss pass everything until he grasped the situation, but this has failed. It would not be too late for him to call for Sebas.

Feeling like he had made a mistake on the level of forgetting to swap name cards, Ainz gazed at Archel.

"I shall inform you of His Majesty's words."

Archel spoke with a more forceful tone than before, and spread the parchment.

Ainz took a breath. He felt relief that the conversation would continue. But Ainz's hopes were dashed.

"….Why are you not kneeling?"

For an instant, Ainz could not understand what was being said.

"Did you not hear me? I am informing you of His Majesty's words, kneel."

Ainz remained standing, at a lost for what to do.

Ainz imagined a scene from manga and anime. In the scene was a person on one kneel in front of his king. Then it would be proper for him to do the same right.

Kneeling also had the meaning of defeat, but in this case Ainz believed it to be proper etiquette. Ainz Ooal Gown acted evilly, but he did understand basic courtesy. If it was proper manners to kneel, then he should do so. If he were treated as the trump card against the powerful existence known as Camila, then he should not be asked the impossible.

Ainz believed that was the case.

Then what was he considering?

He was simply wondering if he should go down on one knee, or both like when the lizardmen surrendered to him. He had no clue what etiquette demanded of him.

"….Is something wrong?"

Archel voice had anger inside.

Why was he that angry? As Ainz felt bothered by this, his two knees touched the ground. He was doing a dogeza.

Archel desperately tried to control himself. By his side, Claude was chuckling. While they had thought that he had no education, a fool like this was rare.

In front of the prostrating Ainz, Archel wanted to complain, but he thought that if he did so, the situation would not continue. He did not want to waste his precious time on such an idiotic person.

Archel opened the parchment. He read out the words that the King himself wrote. One could tell that he had placed much importance on the person known as Ainz since he did not use a proxy to write it.

Ainz honestly could not understand what was being spoken. There was a large volume of decorative language, to the point where he wondered which narcissist wrote this.

Due to your generous heart and the fortune of god, the trampled village was saved by you. For this I am grateful and on and on.

Why did they not get to the point? Ainz stifled his desire to voice his thoughts. It was not more than a minute long, but an exhaustion like the entire thing was in english overwhelmed him.

Reading off the King's name at the end, Archel rolled up the parchment.

As he did so, Ainz went over the contents.

Thank you for saving the village. As we would like to express our thanks, come to the Capital.

Just that.

Ainz felt fatigued as he stood up. As he brushed off the dirt on his knees, his gaze met the frowning face of Archel.

"Is something wrong?"

"No…. It's nothing."

Despite Archel's face clearly saying that it was not nothing, he handed the parchment to Ainz.

"…….."

"…….."

Ainz wondered if it was fine to take the parchment and reached out his hand. Confirming that Arche did not take it back, he received it with both hands.

"So…. Is that it?"

Archel narrowed his eyes. He looked at Ainz as if to say 'what are you talking about?'

He seemed to have something more to ask about the King's letter. However Ainz was a brutish human. Then it was not strange for him to have questions. Thus he asked.

"….Is there something else?"

"….Do you know about the existence of Camila?"

Even Ainz could feel the tense atmosphere.

It was true that he lacked information of this world's normal education and noble society. However, he was a proper working adult in the past, so he was not a complete idiot.

That was why he wondered why they were treated him so lightly.

Is this how they treated me despite knowing my importance? Or do they not know? Do they know the extent of my—Ainz's abilities? Does the Kingdom have a trump card?

Ainz thought that it was better to continue the conversation in a friendly manner. Ainz and thus Nazarick had saved citizens of the Kingdom. But why did they have to treat him in such a hostile manner?

A black flame rose in his heart.

Everything was a pain. Should he just use force to press the conversation forward?

His desire was to allow Nazarick to become safer than it was previously, and for the sake of his preposterous goal in the far future. Thus Ainz controlled himself. However he still desired to know if they acted this way to him despite his knowledge of Camila.

"Ask that to the king directly."

Archel could not answer questions that he did not know the answer to. However he had no desire to say that he had no clue to a person that lacked upbringing. Thus he replied with a strange answer.

If he was a person who he desired a better relationship with, he would not have given this answer.

From what he heard from Gazef via the King, and from what he could tell from their earlier conversation, Archel had a certain image of Ainz. A powerful demi-human.

No upbringing nor knowledge. Although dull, he could be used as a pawn.

In a certain way, it was the worst evaluation.

"….It is written on the parchment that he wishes me to come to the Capitol, but how will we get there. With magic?"

Is this guy an idiot?

The thoughts hidden in Archel's eyes were those words. He believed that Ainz did not have the slightest common sense.

"….We are riding carriages. There is a carriage there right?"

"Inside that carriage with the crest?"

Ainz's gaze fell on the extravagant carriage that had the crest of the Royal Family.

The fact that Archel had to come here and the mental ability of Ainz had caused Archel to become disgruntled. If he had common sense then he would not say such things. Did he have to say even that much?

"….You are riding the one behind."

"That one…."

It was a poor and ricketty carriage. On top of there only being two horses pulling it, one could easily feel the gap in their treatment.

No matter how favourable one looked at the situation, a magic caster who saved a village was worthy of being treated like an ambassador. An ambassador would naturally ride in a carriage with the royal crest. Thus Ainz had asked the earlier question. However the answer he received was different from his expectations. Therefore the royal family who prepared the carriage simply viewed Ainz to be worth that much.

"….I also have a carriage, thus can I ride that?"

"You do not intend to ride in the carriage that His Majesty prepared with his good will?"

"….Good will you say."

Is this seriously good will? The thought flashed through Ainz's mind, but he bared with it.

"….Then it cannot be helped."

Even though he was an undead his head hurt. However he could gain a good relationship with the Kingdom. If he had patience here, he could gain a great opportunity. Since he had taken the first step, it could not be helped that he should bare with this.

If he was leaving then he needed to bring a few people from Nazarick. Some people were needed to take care of him.

He should bring Sebas, and several maids.

"….Before we depart I need to make preparations. Could I have some time?"

"You intend to make me wait more in this filthy place?"

"…….." Ainz's expression underneath the mask frowned slightly. "….I shall ask once more. May I please have some time?"

"You intend to—"

Make a messenger of the king wait in such a filthy place as a tomb alike this? As he was about to say those words, Claude spoke to him.

He had watched the two in silence up till now, but he felt that a certain goal of his could be fulfilled and thus spoke.

"—Now now. It is true that Gown-dono may need to prepare. My subordinates would also like to rest. However, I would first like to make a request."

"What is it?"

"Could it at least be in a better location?"

"I see."

Ainz looked around.

If one compared the current surroundings to the poison swamp of the past, they would think that this was much better, but it was true that one could not relax in comfort here.

"Then there is an extremely beautiful location in Nazarick. I believe you will be able to rest there."

So it was in the tomb.

Seeing the frown on Archel's face, Claude lightheartedly spoke to him.

"Even if we leave now it will take some time to reach E-Rantel. And so, Gown-dono. May we stay the night?"

"….Well I do not mind. I will be busy with preparations and unfortunately be unable to accompany you."

"Hmm."

"Well isn't it fine. Please look at Gown-dono's clothes."

At Claude's words, Archel gazed at Ainz's clothes. It was true that his clothes were excellent. Well, only the clothes though.

The desire to know what sort of place such a person would live in welled up in Archel. If that too was poor, then it would only make for a funny story.

"Haa, fine. Then Gown-dono, please guide us to this place where we can rest."

"Understood. Then please tie your horses near the log house, and I shall send someone to care for them later."

Ainz brought Archel, Claude and their servants and subordinates to the loghouse. It was a large group, but Ainz did not seem to mind. The strange ease at which he did so caused Archel to become disgruntled.

There was a type of human that where if they disliked one part of a person, then they would disapprove of anything and everything they did. Archel was that type of person.

As his dissatisfied gaze fell on Ainz's back, he entered the loghouse. And without hesitation, he opened the door to a room.

Inside was a giant mirror. The outer frame was made of a metal with a golden sheen was finely engraved with strange symbols which looked like runes. The mirror was completely unblemished, appearing to be water frozen solid.

This was a magic item known as the <Mirror of Gate>. The mirror did not reflect the room, but a different scene.

"W! What is this…."

Seeing the surprised Archel, Ainz secretly felt the irritation within him diminish slightly. However it would still be bad to make his sense of superiority obvious.

"Just, what is this?"

"A magic item. It has the power to connect two points. Basically we can use this to teleport. Now, let's enter."

In contrast to the two that were hesitating, Ainz stepped in first. And then Ainz appeared in the mirror.

Archel and Claude looked at each other. Making their decision, Claude and Archel then entered the mirror.

Their view instantly changed. When they thought they had touched a thin membrane, they had changed locations.

Spread out before them was a scene that could only be described beautiful.

It was a beauty that far outstripped the palace, no, anything that Archel had ever seen before.

Archel gasped in amazement, preventing any words from leaving.

"It is this way. Please wet your throats in the drawing room."

Ainz pointed to a door along the passage. Standing on both sides of the door were two extremely beautiful maids. One of Yuri, and one was someone they had seen for the first time.

Ainz tried but failed to hide his sense of superiority. This upset Archel. He was shown this much by the man who he had deemed to be far inferior to him. This greatly stimulated his sense of inferiority to unprecedented heights.

"How did you make this much money?"

Archel spoke in a harsh voice.

"….With my friends."

Ainz's words were filled with pride. Archel then narrowed his eyes.

Riches were not created from nothing. It moved from one place to the next. Then the fortune of Ainz Ooal Gown should have originally gone to another human.

"It seems you have amassed quite a fortune, but have you paid taxes?"

"Haa?"

Ainz's reply had a slight anger to it. Claude made a troubled face, but Archel ignored him.

"I am asking if you have paid your taxes. This is the Kingdom's territory, and the place where the laws of the Kingdom hold. If you live here then there is a need to pay taxes in accordance to one's earnings. And I have not heard of anyone living around here that has paid taxes suitable for such an amazing building as this?"

"…….."

"While you have said you built this with your friends, it is not wrong to say that you have unjustly monopolised the resources of the Kingdom? If this place is a tomb, then the belongings of this tomb should be returned to the Kingdom, or to god."

Cemeteries like tombs were mostly public facilities, and personal ones were rare. Of course, it was normal to own a section of a tomb for personal use.

If one thought about it normally, Ainz's story became more and more suspicious.

Was it possible to build such a beautiful place by oneself? —No. It was impossible.

Then could one collect such furnishings without others knowing? This was also a now. It was impossible.

The number of workers to build this tomb and the large flow of money that was needed to build this tomb. It was impossible to use up all of them in the construction without any left over.

Then there was only one answer.

Archel believed that the lavish part of the tomb was concealed, and thus the person called Ainz illegal monopolised it.

Basically he had illegally monopolised the Kingdom's wealth with shady methods.

Basically if one thought even deeper, the treasure that would fall into Archel's hand was taken by Ainz before he had noticed.

"If you have unjustly monopolised this, then—"

"—Now now, Archel-dono. I think that's enough."

"…….."

Claude stepped in from the side.

"Well, Gown-dono. What Archel-dono has said is the truth. It is a situation where it cannot be helped to be thought of as unjust monopolisation. However, well, for us to keep this in our hearts, well, you don't mind right?"

Different from Claude who would be satisfied with a gift, Archel was current filled with dissatisfaction. Even if he were given an amazing item, he would definitely make Ainz fall into a disadvantageous position.

Archel had such thoughts.

Ainz's shoulders shook. They rose, and then they fell helplessly to his sides.

Would he not even say anything. Archel thought that. However, the emotion born inside of Ainz was not what he was expecting.

"—If it was just me, I would not care."

It was a quiet voice. It was a monotone voice, one without any emotion.

"I do not think of myself to be very important. Thus I accepted everything and bared with the humiliation. —However, you dared to touch the things my friends created…. The things I created with my treasured friends, you are drooling on them! You pieces of filth!"

Visible rage blew outwards from Ainz.

Feeling the rush of pure anger rush past him, Archel and Claude gulped. However there was no sign of worry on their faces. This was due to the reason why they came here. And due to the obedient act Ainz put on for them.

Due to the influence of the Royal Family, even if he did not learn any etiquette he was not able to do anything to them. Thus, on the contrary, Ainz actions should allow them to give him a further penalty.

However, Archel and Claude, and the ones behind Claude, noticed that their bodies were quivering.

They felt the wide passageway suddenly drop dramatically in temperature. It was a deep chill like winter had arrived. However, their breaths were not white. They only had enough time to think that this was nothing more than a feeling.

Ainz halted his steps. He then reached into his pocket, and pulled out a scroll. Faster than Archel's group could wonder how such an object fit in such a tiny space, Ainz spread it open.

"….Even death is too merciful. I do not know if there is a hell in this world, but be on your way. <Summon Monster 10th>"

As the parchment burned away, a magic circle appeared on the floor beneath. As the burnt ash filled the air, the previously empty hallway was now occupied by a large creature.

Despite the fact that it had lowered itself, it was a giant being that one had to look up to as it cast its shadow on Archel's group.

It was a giant dog whose long tail reminded one of a dragon. It had three heads, and its three pairs of fiery eyes looked down upon Archel's group. This was a monster known as a Cerberus.

Archel and company felt their bodies freeze.

It felt as if frost and cold were rushing into them.

A monster.

No, even such words were not enough to describe this apparition, that was what their animalistic intuition was telling them. Even the warriors forgot to draw their weapons.

Ainz had a reason for summoning the monster.

There was no way he could not understand why, but the feeling of not wanting to believe it welled up in Archel's heart.

This was an act of aggression against the Kingdom. Ainz would say that calling it a foolish act was a convenient thought on their part.

Standing next to Cerberus, Ainz gave Archel a mere glance. Losing interest, he turned on his heel. Seeing that Ainz was leaving, Archel spoke out, but his voice cracked from the fear.

"I, I am a messenger of the King! Do you think that he would allow such an act!"

Archel believed those words would protect himself, and shouted them out. He thought that they could bind Ainz.

Ainz sighed. Looking over his shoulder at Archel, he deflected those words in a quiet voice.

"….Does that concern me?"

Cerberus read between the lines of Ainz's words and began to slowly move forward.

Inside that deep and twisted voice was a very clear and distinct emotion: Hostility.

"….It seems you mistook friendly intentions and respect for subservience. Then pay the price for that mistake. And blame your misfortune on working for such a foolish master."

Having his trump card easily tossed aside, Archel's mind went blank. Claude finally managed to draw his sword. However, no one was standing in front of Archel despite their original orders to protect him.

The confidence that they previously held was smashed to pieces by this monster.

"Please wait! Ainz-dono, would you accept our apology? I only said such things to test your ability! You pass! We shall inform His Majesty!"

If nothing changed, they would lose their lives. That panicked thought forced Claude's mouth open. However, it was not enough to move Ainz's heart.

"….Throw the corpses somewhere in between here and E-Rantel. The messenger was attacked by monsters along the way and died…. That is what occured. Feast, Cerberus."

"Wait— No, please wait! Gown-sama! We are really sorry. We did not want to do it, but it was an order of the King! Right, Archel-dono!"

"….A, ah."

Although he should praise Claude's quick thinking, Archel had no desire to lower his head to the person who he had appraised as a demi-human.

However Claude wanted to send Archel flying for even hesitating. At this moment, it was clear who controlled their lives and everything. And Claude had no desire to die.

"Archel! Apologise to Gown-dono!"

The frantic shouts finally caused Archel to make his decision. His excessively large ego was brought to heel by his fear.

"M….My apologies, G, Gown-dono. It seems I said too much."

It was an apology of an unrepentant child. Claude's face tensed. No matter how one took it to be, it was not a sincere one.

However, the apology seemed to have a slight effect.

"….Cerberus."

By that point, Cerberus had moved close enough that it could instantly bite off Archel's head, but it stopped after hearing its master's command.

All of the ones that did not belong to Nazarick had the light of hope reignited inside them.

However, Ainz easily snuffed it out.

"—Apart from screams and curses, I don't want to hear anything else."

As a terrible scene spread out behind him, screams of despair reverberated in the hallway. Despite the sounds of armour and flesh being consumed, Ainz did not turn back.

It was because he was unhappy.

While he was unhappy, it was not because of the corpses nor because the way they were killed went against his gentle nature.

Ever since Ainz had gained this body, he felt no repulsion to acts of genocide. He did not enjoy it, but it was simply that he felt no sense of empathy with them. It was like killing off bothersome insects. It was the same as not feeling any guilt killing off an insect when its bite woke you up from a deep sleep.

Then why did he have the occasional act of kindness.

It was similar to how a human's heart would be moved when they saw a puppy wet by the rain. If they had the capability to, they might give the puppy food, or raise it. However, some would give it a passing glance and leave. That was how it was.

On the other hand, when that village girl had seen the 9th Floor, she had said this.

[Being able to make such an amazing place, your friends must be amazing people.]

They were honest words without any shred of hidden intent. They had shot through Ainz's heart.

To Ainz, having his past comrades praised was an extremely happy occasion. Thus he liked her. Even though he himself laughed at the fact that he was an easy person.

"Yuri. As I said earlier, I will leave the collection of the remains to you. If you need assistance, it's fine to ask anyone."

"Understood."

Yuri bowed deeply. Lupusregina, who was next to her, did the same.

Then their faces said that they noticed something. The slight movement of their eyes caught someone other than Ainz. He turned back to look.

What he first saw was the lack of living humans in the bloodstained hallway— but there were the remains of them. Next to them was the bloody Cerberus.

What entered Ainz's vision next was the person that he had waited and hoped for.

"Such a nice fragrance."

When did he arrive? Demiurge stood on top of the masses of flesh in the sea of blood. No, his feet were barely touching the ground. His body was floating.

"Apologies for being late."

He bowed. Raising his head, Demiurge gaze fell on Ainz's clothes. He smiled.

"Abi ala Fransesce? It suits you perfectly."

While Demiurge had probably meant this from the bottom of his heart, his words only served to upset Ainz further.

"It does not matter. More importantly, there is something I have to discuss with you. Let's go to my room."

"Before that. As I came here, it seems that Aura had gone to the surface, is that fine?"

"Ah. She left due to a request I made of her. There's no problem."

"Understood."

"Then, I'll leave the cleaning to you."

Yuri and Lupusregina nodded. Seeing this, Ainz turned his back on the bloody scene and walked silently with Demiurge.