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Overlord (Light Novel) - Volume 10, Chapter 1 The Sorcerous Kingdom of Ainz Ooal Gown Part 4
Volume 10, Chapter 1 The Sorcerous Kingdom of Ainz Ooal Gown Part 4
This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml
He had walked through this corridor quite a few times as Momon, and he passed by the guildmaster’s room ― though he did not enter, but was instead taken to the room beside it. That room was used for entertaining guests.
A powerfully built man came out to meet him ― the guildmaster Pluton Ainzach.
Ainz had met him as Momon several times before ― he had dragged Momon with him to adult establishments in the past. However, this was the first time he had encountered the man as the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown, so he had to be deeply aware of his words and actions.
“Oh, it is Your Majesty, the Sorcerer King. As a citizen of this country, nothing could delight me more than to receive you within my humble abode. Please, come in, and though this is a dirty place, I bid you take a seat if it pleases you.”
Ainz sat down at the place where Ainzach had indicated.
Fifth stood behind Ainz, while three of the angels followed Ainz inside. The rest remained outside the room, awaiting orders.
“By right, I should have been the one to visit you, but I am deeply grateful that you came all this way to see me.”
Ainzach genuflected, and bowed his head deeply.
Ainz smiled bitterly as he saw Ainzach putting on that act.
It was completely different from how he had been when speaking to Momon. His kind voice was tinged with respect, but that was just a front. Ainz could not help but smile after realising that all this was just professional technique at work. Of course, his own expression had not changed at all.
Ainz turned his eyes toward the other door in the room, the one which was not the entrance.
That door led to the guildmaster’s room. He would probably be talking in there if he was Momon. The fact that the guildmaster had received him here made Ainz aware of the distance between the two.
“Is something the matter, Your Majesty?”
Ainzach had raised his head to peek at Ainz, who seemed to have ignored him in favor of looking at the room to the side. Ainz could not help but snort at his foolishness.
Ainzach’s face froze. Perhaps he thought that laughter was directed at him.
Ainz felt disgusted by his rudeness, but the Sorcerer King could not apologise. Instead, he decided to push ahead with the conversation in an attempt to gloss it over.
Still, what sort of attitude should he take toward the guildmaster?
Ainz was still feeling out the proper way to be a king, and did not have any knowledge in that field. The only thing guiding him was a vague feeling of “this should be right”. With that, he decided to try something.
“I think you should have heard about it by now, Ainzach, but I have a proposal for you.”
“―Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I am unsure of what you speak. If it is possible, could you start from the beginning?”
From his previous interactions with the man, Ainz knew that Ainzach was a capable man who was also capable of lying through his teeth. There was a high chance that he already had a firm grasp on the situation. That was probably why he had not been alarmed by the angels.
That being the case, there was no need to beat around the bush. Ainz decided to speak directly.
“I intend to incorporate this Adventurer’s Guild into the Sorcerous Kingdom.”
“...Is that so. I do not think anybody will object to that.”
“Hoh. I have heard that the Adventurer’s Guild has always held itself to neutrality. Are you truly fine with this?”
“All shall proceed as you desire, Your Majesty. This nation is governed by the laws which you have set down. If Your Majesty wishes to subordinate the Adventurer’s Guild to his will, nobody can gainsay that decision.”
Ainz snorted again. That reaction seemed to get a rise out of Ainzach. Ainz sensed that he had gotten to the guildmaster, from the deep look in his eyes.
“Indeed, it shall proceed as I desire. However, do you truly intend to go along with it? Or perhaps you intend to warn off the adventurers and send them to the Empire and the Kingdom before turning over an empty shell of a guild to me.”
Ainzach looked intently at Ainz, and then he rounded his shoulders, as though to say, “So that’s as far as I go, huh.”
“As expected of Your Majesty. To think you would not only claim and rule this city, but even see through my innermost thoughts… did you read my mind with magic?”
“No, I did not use magic. It was nothing more than experience.”
“Because you have lived a long time, I take it. My my, what a fearsome lord you are. Then, what is to become of me?”
“Nothing will happen to you.”
“...I will not thank you for that, you know?”
“I do not need your thanks. More than that, I want your opinions. I have heard that adventurers exist to defend the people. Thus, they do not wish to be used in wars between humans and have maintained a degree of independence from any nation. Is this true?”
“It is as you say, Your Majesty. In truth, when Your Majesty laid claim to this town, we had no intention of offering any resistance.”
“And yet the man called Momon stood before me…?”
Ainzach grunted, “Oh.” Well, there was no point giving himself a hard time. Ainz decided to continue speaking, and of course, he had to help cover for Momon.
“Ah, I won’t pursue that matter. After all, we are working together, in a sense. Indeed, that cooperation is one of the reasons I can peacefully rule this place.”
Ainzach seemed to be on the verge of saying something, but Ainz ignored him and pressed on.
This was the real meat of the issue.
He had to bring Ainzach over to his side, and make him want to aid the Sorcerous Kingdom out of his own volition.
After recalling the various gripes and complaints he had heard during his time as Momon, Ainz said:
“...Then, I have a question after hearing your words. You were quite certain that ‘Adventurers exist to defend the people’. However, who exactly are these ‘people’?”
“May I know what you mean by that?”
There was a baffled look on Ainzach’s face.
“In other words, does the word ‘people’ encompass all humanoids, or just human beings? Are Elves, Half-Elves and other species that live in harmony with humanity covered by that word?”
“Well, about that, yes, they are included.”
“How strange, then. I seem to recall that Elves are slaves in the Empire, are they not? That being the case, can you really say that you are protecting them? Are they not slaves because they ran afoul of the Empire’s laws?”
Ainzach lowered his head. Then, he looked up to face Ainz again.
“...I am but the master of the Kingdom’s Adventurer’s Guild. Thus, I do not know what the Empire’s Guild has in mind.”
“So you’re just trying to weasel out of it with wordplay, then…”
AInzach’s eyes went wide, and there was clear anger there.
“Your Majesty, such mockery―”
“Mockery? Is this not the truth? ...I shall ask you again. Are you not trying to get yourself off the hook by being ambiguous?”
Ainzach lowered his eyes.
“...It is as you say.”
“You say that you will defend Elves and Half-Elves, but you have not done that at all. Why is that?”
Ainzach gave his explanation, beginning from the position that he was unclear about the intentions of the Adventurer’s Guild in the Empire.
“Though we are an Adventurer’s Guild, we cannot fully escape the bonds of countries. While the Adventurer’s Guild proudly declares itself to be above their rule, we remain obedient to the laws of the nations. We are an armed organization. It would be very dangerous if a group with our strength was to turn that power against the nation. I believe the Empire’s Guild thinks along the same lines.”
“That is what I meant. Since you are bound by a country’s laws, then there should be no problem with being incorporated into that country. That being the case, why do you dislike that?”
“Both the Empire and the Kingdom covet our strength. After all, only adventurers like ourselves can fight on an even footing with powerful monsters. Because of that, nobody has made any difficult requests of us until now. However, that point is moot where Your Majesty is concerned. If we are made subordinate to you, there is a chance that our strength may be directed against the people.”
“And so, you seek to resist assimilation into the country because you fear being made to use force against the common man, am I correct?”
“It is as Your Majesty says. We do not wish to be made to suppress people or to fight in wars. It would make us accessories to many deaths.”
Ainz could not help but laugh at this. Well, I knew that already. But of course, he could not actually say that.
“Then sit. I shall now explain what I intend for you in the future.”
Ainz had to tell him to sit again before Ainzach finally complied, taking a seat out of fear. Then, Ainz began his explanation.
“I am considering the possibility of having adventurers take on other, more meaningful types of work. I want adventurers to discover the unknown and explore this world.”
Ainz felt Ainzach looking directly at him for the first time.
“For instance, there is a patch of wilderness to the south, between the Theocracy and the Holy Kingdom. But do you know the details of the terrain and what manner of monsters live there?”
“No, because there are many demihuman settlements there. The Adventurer’s Guild of the Kingdom has sent people there, but none have returned in one piece. Therefore, we know next to nothing about it.”
“Then, there is a mountain range to the southwest which serves as a natural barrier between yourselves and the Theocracy. What do you know of that place?”
“No, we do not have any detailed information about that region.”
“Are you not ashamed of that ignorance? No, perhaps it may seem unavoidable from the point of view of an adventurer. After all, you are an organization that protects the people, so there is no need to know about places which do not contain any people. Although, there is a chance that lifesaving herbs might grow in such regions.”
Ainzach’s mouth tightened into a straight line at that provocation.
“Once I take the Adventurer’s Guild under my banner, I plan to fill in all the blank spaces on the map.”
“...Would it not be better to hand that task to the people close to Your Majesty?”
“Don’t be foolish. I heard that you used to be an adventurer, Ainzach, so let me ask you again: When you think about the word ‘adventurer’, really ponder it, do you think you exist merely to fight monsters? Before I learned more about adventurers, I thought that they were beings who turned the unknown into the known.”
Ainzach bit his lip so hard that it seemed as though he was trying to draw blood.
“―We must protect the people.”
“There is no need for that. In this Sorcerous Kingdom, I will protect the people as their ruler. Given the sharp drop in requests, you should be able to understand the truth of my words, am I wrong?”
Ainzach answered in the affirmative, in a pained voice that sounded more like a groan.
“Then what will you do next? Will you move to the Kingdom or the Empire to protect the people? That sounds a lot like what a specialized monster-hunting mercenary would do.”
Ainz paused here. The next step would be persuasion. He had to devote the full capacity of his mind to what he said next.
“Earlier, you said ‘my subordinates should do it’. From a certain point of view, that would be a good solution. It is true that my subordinates excel at slaying the enemy. However, many of them raise serious doubts in my mind about whether or not they can build good relationships with the beings they meet in this unknown world. It is a great mark of shame for me. Therefore, I wish to leave this task to you adventurers.”
While he was quite interested in the silent Ainzach’s reaction, his presentation was not yet finished.
“Well, since I plan to have them do such a dangerous job, I will naturally give them my full support. Do you not think it is necessary for me to assimilate the Adventurer’s Guild for that?”
“...All you have to do is hire us.”
“I see. So you are quite confident in your strength. I do not dislike that courage.”
“What, what do you mean, Your Majesty?”
“Discovering the unknown includes the possibility of making unfortunate encounters with other civilizations. If that happened, do you not think the Sorcerous Kingdom would disavow you? In addition, the Adventurer’s Guild would then be solely responsible for dealing with any problems which arose, am I wrong? Since you claim to be an independent organization, do you not think that is to be expected? After all, any contracts I make with you will not incur any loss to the Sorcerous Kingdom.”
Ainzach fell silent.
“That is what it means to act independently, free from any nation’s control, is that not the case? And if a situation escalates to an international level, you would thus have to deal with it yourself… is what I am saying so laughable?”
“Certainly not, Your Majesty,” Ainzach nodded deeply, to show that he understood. “Every word you have spoken is correct.”
“Just so. But if that happens, valuable adventurers ― professionals who possess special skills ― will end up being depleted. As it takes human beings a long time to mature, the death of any talented individual will be a great loss. Because of that, I wanted to acquire the Adventurer’s Group. And then, they would receive my full support as the price for having to carry out my orders.”
“That is a very attractive proposal… However, I have a doubt I wish to clarify. Once we have understood the unknown, does that mean we will then become invasion forces for the Sorcerous Kingdom?”
“That is a very complicated question. I cannot rule out that possibility entirely. After all, if we learn that an enemy which exists in unknown lands plans to launch an invasion, it is quite reasonable to use that information to take the initiative and strike the first blow instead. Said enemies might include demihumans like Ogres or Orcs who live in the wilderness. Or perhaps, it might be necessary to launch an invasion to show them the difference between their strength and ours. If there was a ferocious monster beside you which was sharpening its fangs, would you not want to strike first instead?”
“I see, it is as you say, But―”
“...Hm.”
“Is something the matter, Your Majesty?”
“It’s nothing, forgive me for interrupting you. What were you about to say just now?”
“...Understood. However, what troubles me is whether or not it is right to subdue by force those races who are living in peace.”
“What races are you thinking of? Elves, perhaps?”
“Well, perhaps.”
“...The details of this sort of thing are top secret as they are linked to national policy, so I cannot discuss this openly. If invasion and conquest would be advantageous to the Sorcerous Kingdom, we might end up doing so, or if they would only beget disadvantages, we would avoid such acts. This is quite common among countries, am I correct? However, if it comes to the simple matter of invasions, I can plainly state that I have adequate military forces at my disposal. I do not expect adventurers to collect information on enemy nations, nor do I need them to scout routes for me. As I said earlier, I simply desire them to explore the unknown and discover all sorts of things. I give you my word on this.”
However, right after saying that, Ainz asked Ainzach:
“Still, it does seem you treat races differently depending on how attractive they are. Why did you not say that line about ‘whether or not it is right to subdue by force those races who are living in peace’ when the topic of invading Orcs and Ogres came up?”
“That, that’s because they’re demihumans―!”
“Hahahaha. I see, I see. So that is what you think. I understand, I understand. So, what is your answer?”
Ainzach seemed to want to say something, but he immediately shook his head. That was probably to change his mind.
“Must I answer that question immediately, Your Majesty?”
“Certainly, I would like you to answer right away. However, this matter is of weighty importance, and you must prepare for it by discussing it with others. The fact it takes time cannot be helped. However, I would like to know what you think, Ainzach.”
Ainz leaned forward, so he could look right into Ainzach’s eyes from close up.
“I am very angry. But more than that, I am saddened by the fact that you are nothing more than simple monster exterminators. How dare people like you call yourselves adventurers? Ainzach, what do you think? Are you willing to adventure under my rule? It is my hope for you all that―”
Here, Ainz paused for a beat. Then, he let the strength flow into his eyes and his voice.
“―That you will all be able to become ‘Adventurers’.”
Tension filled the room. As though observing an opponent who had been slain by his finishing move, Ainz held his breath ― although he could not breathe to begin with ― and awaited Ainzach’s response.
“...I feel this is a very attractive proposition.”
The lights within Ainz’s empty orbits dimmed. It seemed like he would find some reason to refuse.
“―Therefore, I intend to ask the others if they can accept this proposal. It is true that using adventurers like us for such a purpose is like a dream come true. Becoming agents of the Sorcerous Kingdom is something we can come to terms with at some point. If I might be allowed to speak as a former adventurer… I would be happy to help.”
―Eh, does that mean it worked?
“Really now…”
Ainz leaned back against the sofa.
The joy of his speech’s success spread steadily through him. It was like the feeling of leaving a client after clinching a deal, then rushing to a coffeeshop to call up one’s own firm and shouting “I did it!” over the phone.
He had not expected his experience as an adventurer to end up being used here. No, it was because of that experience that Ainz could come up with that proposal.
And just then, Ainz thought of something that was so important it had to be addressed right away. It concerned the future of the Sorcerous Kingdom which he envisioned.
“Ah, that’s right. One more thing.”
Ainz raised a bony finger.
“When you said you wanted to protect the people, you defined it as encompassing all humanoids. Thus, the purpose of adventurers is to protect all people within that definition.”
“Yes. That is true, Your Majesty.”
“And then, when the topic turned to invasion, you indicated that it would be alright as long as they were demihumans. Is that correct?”
Ainzach nodded, his expression saying, “so what?”
“The Sorcerous Kingdom will accept all races as its subjects. That is to say, not just humanoids, but demihumans and heteromorphs. Therefore, if the philosophy of adventurers is to protect the people, then you must defend demihumans and heteromorphs as well.”
Ainzach’s eyes went wide.
“What are you saying?!”
“...What’s wrong? I do not understand why you are so agitated. In my country, there is no difference between humans, demihumans or heteromorphic beings. If they acknowledge me as their king, then they shall be my subjects.”
“This, this is too ridiculous. This is impossible, Your Majesty!”
“Is that so? I have heard of a country to the north of the Kingdom called the Republic. Are there not many races which coexist there?”
“Indeed, I have heard of such a country… no! Do you intend to have us coexist with those races which see humans as little more than food?”
“I see, it is as you say. The Sorcerous Kingdom will not permit its subjects to eat fellow subjects. I will make that a matter of the law. That should be enough, right? However, I will not stop them if they seek to prey upon those who are not my subjects. After all, I am not the sort who will interfere with my people’s dining habits… no, seeing the members of one’s race being butchered and sold for meat is damaging to the mind… perhaps that matter will require further debate.”
According to Lupusregina, the villagers of Carne lived in harmony with Goblins and Ogres. Thus, there was no reason for that to be impossible for this city. That said, the sheer number of people involved would complicate the matter.
“What, what exactly do you intend, intend to do?”
“You certainly do ask a lot of surprising questions. Why not ask why all of you, as fellow living creatures, cannot be united? As one of the undead, I find that point quite difficult to understand. To me, there is no difference between humans and Goblins. All races will be equal under my rule. Of course, I shall be above you as your absolute ruler, as will the subordinates under me.”
Ainzach’s breathing seemed to shift through a variety of speeds, before calming down in the end.
“So you will take Goblins under your banner ― make them into your citizens?”
“Did you not hear what I said before? I said I would take Orcs and Ogres as my subjects as well, no?”
“Forgive, forgive me. I did hear that, but I believed that they would be your slaves.”
“That answer certainly suits a race which would take Elves as slaves. Let me repeat myself ― all citizens under my rule will be equal.”
As he glanced at the way Ainzach was panting, Ainz considered if the man had picked up on his intentions.
An extreme interpretation of those words would be that every subject of the Sorcerous Kingdom was a slave of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick and its members. Of course, he would not say that. Nor was there any need to say that. It would be best if Ainzach did not pick up on that at all.
“There are many Goblins under my protection. In a few days, a group of Goblins will visit E-Rantel. Do try mixing with them. The preconceptions you have of Goblins will surely be shattered. In addition, Lizardmen do not eat much meat, their primary diet being fish. Dryads and Treants love clean water and sunlight, and they only attack humans in self-defense.”
“Have you already taken that many vassals under your banner?”
“There is no doubt about that. There are quite a number of demihumans and heteromorphs which have become my subjects. Oh, it seems we’ve drifted quite far off-topic. Then, Ainzach, I take it you personally approve of the Adventurer’s Guild becoming a part of the Sorcerous Kingdom?”
“―As long as Your Majesty is true to his word.”
“You do worry a lot, do you not? I am not lying. Adventurers should seek to explore the unknown.”
If possible, he hoped to put all sorts of races together into parties and send them out.
“Then, I will leave the task of explaining the matter to the other adventurers in your hands. If any adventurers do not approve of becoming public servants, then I will have no qualms about letting them leave.”
“Will that really be alright?”
“Forced cooperation will not be effective. That said, one can imagine that large changes to the organization’s structure and sudden deviations from current practices will cause a lot of problems. Therefore, the status quo will be maintained, to some extent. The most obvious change will only be the establishment of an investigative office for the guild and the guildmaster.”
All that was left was the most important part; the inducements which would make more adventurers want to join the Adventurer’s Guild of the Sorcerous Kingdom.
“The support which the Sorcerous Kingdom offers will primarily include the establishment of a training facility. It would be a terrible loss to blaze a trail into distant lands, only to be slain by unknown monsters. Therefore, a more practical training method than the current model ― that of live combat against monsters ― will be required. Considering that adventurers need to get used to team combat, it might be a good idea to build a labyrinth for them to delve into.”
And the part of the monsters would be filled by Nazarick’s POP undead.
“I feel that this is a very good idea. Only, it would surely be a sizeable undertaking.”
Since the staff would be composed of the undead, who did not require salaries, the operating costs would not be too high. However, there was no need to be completely open with the information. One ought to sell favors without hesitation when the need arose.
“Indeed, this would require a sizable initial investment. However, that is within the allowable limit for necessary expenses. After all, adventurers are a valuable human resource for the Sorcerous Kingdom.”
“I am deeply grateful, Your Majesty.”
“No need to stand on ceremony. Then, how about it? Do you not think the adventurers would be attracted by this?”
“Indeed, the labyrinth would be quite attractive to low-level adventurers… but what if the adventurers decide to transfer to the Kingdom or the Empire’s guilds after completing their training?”
“Of course that will not be allowed. This is a state organ; misuse of it could well be considered treason.”
“I see… it seems I will need to carefully explain that part.”
“Then, how shall we attract higher-ranked adventurers?”
“It would seem remuneration is the best answer.”
“Well, it is not as though one can eat dreams.”
“It is as you say. In addition, without better weapons, armor and other magical items, it will be impossible to defeat powerful monsters. These items are typically very expensive.”
“...Hm. There is that.”
Mass-production could lower the price of such equipment. However, powerful adventurers were very rare. Thus their gear was custom-made, which naturally drove their prices up. In addition, people who could make such items were very rare, which only contributed to the price. He had to think of a way to deal with the problems which followed that as well.
“In addition, I would like to let more adventurers ― those of the Kingdom and the Empire ― know of this place. Do you have any ideas?”
“The Adventurer’s Guild which Your Majesty intends to establish is an unimaginably desirable thing, compared to the Adventurer’s Guilds of the Kingdom and the Empire. Once the news gets out, the Guilds of the various nations might try some means to interfere with it in order to keep their adventurers from being drawn away. After all, each country counts adventurers as their trump cards, and they would not be pleased to see their adventurers go to another country.”
“Indeed, that is correct. What do you think would be a good solution to this?”
“It is difficult for me to answer promptly. Might I be allowed a bit of time?”
“Come to think of it, that is true. I too must plot a course for the future..”
The fact was, this lofty goal was a bit too much for Ainz to handle by himself. He had to calm down, think about things, and discuss it with someone else.
Ainz rose to his feet.
“Then, we’ll leave―” Ainz quickly shut his mouth before he could say something rude. That was not how a king should speak. “We will leave matters at this for today. I shall see you again.”
Ainzach hurriedly rose to his feet and lowered his head.
“Understood, Your Majesty.”
Without looking back, Ainz left the room through the door Fifth had opened.
Although he wanted to sigh, he was still in the guild. Doing so right now would be premature.
Ainz led the Cherubim out of the Adventurer’s Guild. After walking a little further on, he allowed himself to sigh quietly.
Ahhhh~ I’m beat...
While Ainz Ooal Gown could not possibly say that he was tired, Suzuki Satoru was practically crying for a rest for his overheated brain.
Before I talk to Albedo about absorbing the Adventurer’s Guild, I should take a brief rest. I also need to find some way to convince Albedo about the merits of this plan… there’s so many things to do now...
Ainz strode forth in silence. He did not use teleportation magic, instead he prayed that he would stumble on a good idea before he reached home.
♦ ♦ ♦
The door to the adjacent room ― Ainzach’s office ― opened, and a new guest entered.
The man with an excessively skinny body ― to the point where some might even consider him anorexic ― was Ainzach’s old friend, the head of E-Rantel’s Magician’s Guild, Theo Rakesheer.
“Pluton, that was quite a surprise. I didn’t expect the Sorcerer King to come calling in the middle of our discussions. Did he notice something?”
“I’m not so sure about that.”
This morning, Ainzach had gone through the daily routine of meeting Rakesheer early on to exchange information.
Ever since the city had fallen under the sway of the Sorcerer King, they only met in the morning. The reason for that was because they believed that most undead did not like the sun. Still, after seeing the undead army patrol the streets, they knew that it was little more than a way to put their minds at ease.
Their meetings were essentially undertaken for the purpose of swapping news, with no consideration to the future movements of the Adventurer’s Guild and the Magician’s Guild. Or rather, ever since the founding of the Sorcerous Kingdom, everyone who could flee had already left for the Empire and the Kingdom. The Magician’s Guild had also transferred all their magic items out of the city, with only a few members staying behind. In other words, the Magician’s Guild of this city was effectively disbanded.
However, there was still much that needed to be discussed in the field of information analysis.
Although adventurers were not particularly bound to countries, could they still carry on as they had before, from within the Sorcerous Kingdom? Would the Sorcerous Kingdom send harriers after the former citizens of this land who were busy fleeing it? If they managed to successfully cross the border, would the Sorcerous Kingdom demand the extradition of the refugees at a national level? What about magic casters?
How could they handle this situation without sacrificing Momon, who was now a resident here? In addition, how should the Adventurer’s Guild treat Momon?
The temples remained silent, sensing that the Sorcerer King was keeping a distance from them too. However, would this carry on in the future? Would they lead a resistance movement against him?
Each of these questions was a challenging one, which taxed both their brains to the limit with nothing to show for their effort. However, it would be troublesome if they did nothing and simply let things unfold. The temples were particularly problematic in that respect.
Could the temples really accept their mortal enemy, one of the undead, as their king? They held their peace for now, but that in turn frightened the people even more.
In addition, there were the religious factions from the surrounding countries. If things went poorly, they might decide to unilaterally declare a holy war, with the temples within the Sorcerous Kingdom serving as a fifth column. That situation had a chance of coming to pass.
The reason why there was nobody here to represent the temples was because their stance on the matter was unclear. While it was easy enough to call them over, it would be bad if they ended up being drawn into something else instead.
That said, neither of them thought the temples would actually be able to defeat the Sorcerer King. What made them uneasy was the massacre that would surely unfold after they tried. Even worse, they feared that this would result in Momon, the Sword of the Sorcerer King, slaughtering them all. In addition, how would they heal the wounds in the hearts of the country’s people after something like that happened?
Just as their heads were aching from this chaotic mess of events, the Sorcerer King had arrived.
“However, His Majesty seems to have sensed your presence here.”
The best proof of that was the Sorcerer King’s snort of laughter as he looked at the room next door.
“If it goes poorly, everything we’ve talked about might well have been leaked.”
“What? That means…?”
“Exactly what you think. He also meant for you to hear his words.”
The acoustics of this room were tuned such that everything said here could be heard in the other. Because of that, Rakesheer ― who was hiding in the room next door ― should have heard everything the two of them had said.
“Do you think he could have been mistaken?”
“No, that’s impossible. To some extent, he should have sensed someone was there. However, His Majesty might have thought it was someone from the temples.”
At that time he had been more confused than shocked due to the suddenness of the situation. When he thought back to it, all he felt was regret for his actions. How he wanted to laugh at himself, who stowed his friend out of the way.
He should have invited Rakesheer out, so the three of them could speak their minds.
Granted, the Sorcerer King probably had not put all his cards on the table yet. However, he had stated his opinions to a mere citizen, with the regal bearing of a ruler. How had he performed, in contrast?
As he watched Ainzach knit his brows, Rakesheer icily asked:
“Then, what will you do next? No, I already know. After all, you used to call him the Sorcerer King, but now you refer to him respectfully.”
“Don’t you think someone might be listening in on our conversation?”
“Don’t you think that’s the reason I’m telling you this now?”
“Could it be that I was magically charmed?”
“I’m not confident in completely ruling it out, but I don’t think so. Charm magic is time-limited, and even if the Sorcerer King wanted to sustain it, he probably would not be able to.”
“Then again, it might be possible for His Majesty.”
“Come on, give me a break. That would be a real headache if it was true. After all, that’s magic of the 8th tier and above, the realm of the divine.”
The two of them laughed briefly, and then Ainzach resumed his serious expression.
“I believe helping His Majesty in this matter is a good idea.”
“Even if that makes you all accomplices in invading other countries?”
“...Is it not natural for strong nations to subjugate weaker ones?”
“So you know it will result in tragedy and have chosen to permit it?”
“Things may not necessarily develop in that way. After all, ever since His Majesty took control of this country, who among us is worse off?”
Rakesheer fell silent.
The surprising thing was that nobody in this country could say they were in a worse situation than before.
“Aren’t there adventurers who lost their jobs because of this?”
“Well, you’re right, but isn’t it a little… come on, lay off me already.”
“That’s true. I spoke without thinking. Still, given that this was such a rare opportunity, why didn’t you ask the Sorcerer King what he thought about the temples?”
“Give me a break. If His Majesty decided that they were a nuisance and decided to destroy them because of something I said, I’d have to live the rest of my life knowing I caused a great slaughter. How do you think I could live with myself if that happened?”
“Do you think the Sorcerer King is someone who would do such a thing?”
“No. In fact, I’d say it’s the opposite. His Majesty is very rational, to the point where it’s quite shocking. To the point where sometimes, I wonder if that undead face of his was actually made by magic. Yes ― it feels just like when I talk to Momon-dono.”
“Well, that would be a slight on Momon-dono.”
Ainzach smiled thinly as he saw his old friend with a displeased look on his face.
“Well, that’s true. It’s disrespectful to compare a hero of humanity to the undead Sorcerer King. However, when you consider that they’re both beings of superhuman might, they do seem quite similar. If I had to describe it… yes, I can feel the same presence around them, one which only those extraordinary entities could radiate.”
“I see. That does make sense when you put it that way.”
The two of them recalled the form of that great hero (Momon).
Then, after that brief pause, Ainzach looked directly at Rakesheer.
“―Rakesheer. If you do not wish to aid His Majesty, could I trouble you to not come here any more?”
The reason for that hardly needed to be said. After all, Ainzach’s room might well be used to store data pertaining to the national administration of the Sorcerous Kingdom. Allowing outsiders to traipse in and out of such a room was definitely not appropriate.
In addition, the Sorcerer King’s words ― which had made such a great impact on Ainzach’s heart ― had also been spoken to his old friend.
The new vision of adventurers of which he had spoken was a shining and glorious one. In the past, there had been adventurers who had set foot upon unknown lands. However, most of them died far from their homes, or had broken down in the face of reality. Only a handful of people could actually do such a dangerous thing. But now, the Sorcerer King ― a magic caster who wielded absolute power ― was offering his full support to them. That opened up a whole new vista of possibilities to them.
Contained within that was the possibility of becoming true Adventurers.
After a brief pause, Rakesheer finally spoke.
“I say, Ainzach. You do know that the Magician’s Guild in this city is practically disbanded, right?”
“Ahh, so it is.”
“Then, please allow me to support you with all my strength, as your former comrade. After all this is over, why not let us go explore the unknown as well?”
“―Haha,” Ainzach chuckled. “Think of our age, though. Huhu ― are we really going for it?”
“Why not? Although, you’ll have to speak to His Majesty then, and convince him not to put an age restriction on the Adventurer’s Guild.”
And so the two of them filled the room with their cheerful laughter.
