Overlord (WN)

The six carraiges and the twenty knights arrived at the centre of the plains where the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick was.

The knights and servants\' gazes were all on the person standing at the front of the log house, a beauty— Yuri Alpha. Three of the knights, three of the Four Knights got off the carriage. They all carried large shields, wielded halberds and were adorned in strong armour. Also Fluder\'s disciples also disembarked.

As everyone hurried about, the door that was supposed to be opened last was opened.

Despite the step chair not being readied, the one who appeared was the person who was supposed to appear at the very end, the Emperor, Jircniv. Stopping the ones who were panicking to prepare the step chair with a wave, he jumped off.

With a kind smile, he walked towards Yuri. Behind Jircniv was Fluder who also jumped off. If even the Emperor jumped off like that, he could not wait for the step chair.

Seeing the reactions— Yuri understood who was walking towards her and corteously bowed.

"Greetings and welcome." Raising her head again, she introduced herself. "My name is Yuri Alpha and I am tasked with welcoming you. "

"Thank you very much. I am the Emperor of the Baharuth Empire. Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix. Well over here in this neighbouring country it means little so I will be glad if you treat me as an ordinary individual and called me Jir."

Jircniv smiled brightly to Yuri.

It was a smile that befitted a nice young man rather than an Emperor. There was no one in existence more suitable that the current Jircniv to be called a handsome young man. Despite receiving a smile that would move a woman\'s heart, Yuri\'s expression failed to change.

Jircniv could also tell from peering at her eyes that her heart was similarly unmoved.

Was he not to her taste, or was she the type that did not mix business with pleasure? Or was she filled with loyalty to the person she served?

I can\'t read her.

That whisper stayed in Jircniv\'s heart.

"That is a good joke. My master— Ainz Ooal Gown has ordered me to welcome your highness the Emperor."

"Is that so? Well, that\'s a shame."

Jircniv shrugged in an exaggerated manner.

"How about Gown-dono?"

"Understood. Our master is still making his preparations, and he will need a bit more time. I pray you will be patient and wait for him."

"I see. Then, where shall we wait? Inside that loghouse?"

"No. It would be a waste since we have such nice weather. We hope you will wait here."

"Is that so?" Jircniv narrowed his eyes. "Then, we shall return to our carriages and await him therein."

Jircniv could feel the anger boiling out of his numerous royal guards as he said those words. They might be in a neighboring country ―and one which might end up being an enemy to them― but even so, letting the Emperor of a great nation wait in a place like this was far too rude. However, no one said that. If even their lord was doing so, then as subordinates, they could not say it.

"I pray you to wait." Yuri\'s quiet voice cut through the air. "Since the delay originated from our side, we would be poor hosts and in defiance of Ainz-sama\'s commands if we did not extend every courtesy to you in compensation."

Jircniv was surprised hearing her call her master Ainz-sama, but then he nodded in expectation. Taking that gesture as a sign of permission, Yuri turned to the loghouse.

"Now then. Come here."

In response to Yuri\'s orders, the doors of the log house opened, and something huge stepped out.

"Gehhhh!"

A lone cry rang out. It was a strange sound that one might expect of a strangled chicken.

When they realized who had cried out, terror filled the hearts of everyone present, not just Jircniv.

The one who had made that uncharacteristic sound was the Head Magician of the Empire, Fluder Paradyne. He was a man who was said to be able to rival the Thirteen Heroes. A man like that now stood with eyes wide with terror, his gaze fixed on the things emerging from the log house.

As if pulled by him, everyone\'s gazes fell on one thing.

What came out from the log house was a thing wearing black armour and reeking of violence. It\'s large body carried a marble table.

There was a sound of something falling to the ground.

One of Fluder\'s disciples had collapsed to his knees upon the ground, his face pale and his body devoid of strength. Or rather, almost all of the four acolytes he had brought along had ended up that way. Their pale faces were frozen in shock as they began hyperventilating.

"Impossible. How could this… no, no, it can\'t be. Are those Death Knights….?"

Fluder sputtered out his words as if he had forgotten who he was. This scene was extremely strange for anyone who saw. The knights determined that it was dangerous and began to view the black armour with caution.

Fluder could not believe it.

The scene in front of him.

The undead that he failed to control was bringing a table to place on the grass and seemed to be the maid\'s subordinate. He had not left reality to the point that he failed to understand what it meant.

Similar to how a small boat would be rocked by the waves during a storm, Fluder\'s heart was shaken by this shocking development.

However Fluder regained his will of steel.

This possibility existed. When they learned that he could use undead that rivaled Gazef.

Meeting a better magic caster than him was Fluder\'s dearest wish.

Isn\'t it now granted. He calmed himself down with that thought. His disciples were unable to do so and were still breathing heavily from the stress.

"What\'s wrong? Jii?"

Jircniv\'s voice was dyed in worry. While he seemed to be uneasy from a close person acting so strangely, Jircniv actually wanted Fluder to explain. Normally Fluder would do so immediately.

However, now that was a pain. Explaining to him would be a waste of time. With such a blatant attitude, he ignored Jircniv. The surroundings were shocked.

Because he did such a thing to their lord.

"I have a question! Is that a Death Knight?!"

"Yes. That is correct."

In contrast to Fluder\'s strained voice, Yuri\'s was unwaveringly calm.

"Does it belong to, Gown-dono?"

"Yes. It is a subordinate of Ainz-sama."

"What! Gown-dono is commanding it!"

Everyone nearby understood the meaning of what was said. Basically commanding that Death Knight was a great exploit even Fluder could not do.

Then— Then.

What should they do?

From the log house, once again, another Death Knight carrying a table appeared.

It then passed it to the earlier Death Knight. It was similar to a bucket relay. Of course, it did not end with two. In total, five appeared.

Fluder\'s body shivered.

His expression was one frozen in shock, as if he had seen something unbelievable.

"Ah…. Ah…."

Fluder\'s knees gave way. On his face was an agape mouth and shocked expression.

"Fluder-do, dono?"

One knight struggled to form the question. Only one had asked, but all the other knights had the same tense expression. Even the four strongest knights of the Empire.

Fluder was the man said to rival or even surpass the 13 Heros. To the knights, he was respected as someone who could use many overwhelming spells and was the greatest protector of the Empire. That man was now quivering on the ground. This lead to great confusion.

Power blazed up in Fluder\'s eyes. However, the panic in the surroundings failed to enter. This was natural. There was something far more important to confirm.

Fluder asked Yuri.

"I would like to ask. T, that too?"

"Yes. It is Ainz-sama\'s subordinate?"

"I, Impossible….What magic….No, the gap in skill. I have a question, what tier of magic can Gown-dono use up to?"

"Please ask Ainz-sama directly."

Fluder\'s expression froze as he heard Yuri\'s cold words.

Silence fell.

The knights could not believe that those were the words of a maid, Jircniv\'s interest in her deepened, and—

"Fu, fuhahahahaha!"

—A laugh could be heard that broke everything. A laugh that came from the bottom of his heart, a laugh that, here, did not fit the image of Fluder.

Baziwood\'s brows furrowed in disgust. Was this the time to laugh. They should be cautious, and laughter did not suit the mood. Or did he not understand the meaning in Yuri\'s words.

Sending a signal to the other knights to be cautious, he moved closer to Fluder and asked.

"Fluder-dono. Is this place dangerous? For his Majesty\'s protection—"

"—Are you an idiot?"

Fluder cut off Baziwood instantly. Despite being called a fool, Baziwood did not reply. He was pressured by the dangerous light blazing in Fluder\'s eyes.

"You do not even understand what place this is…. The level is different. That Death Knight is a monster that would requite countless knights to subdue. And there are five. Even if the four knights attack one it will be over. Unable to tell even that, what protecting can you do? You want to protect him under these conditions? Even though the Death Knights are not wielding their weapons, do you know they still have special abilities?"

He had the aura of a hero.

The air that pressed down on them from Fluder was at that level. However, it did not give them a warm feeling.

He possessed immense magical might, enough to take on all the Four Knights at once. And his voice took on a demented tone as he appeared to be going insane.

It was only natural that the nearby royal guards would break out in goosebumps.

Amidst all this, only the people from Nazarick and Jircniv kept their cool.

"…He controls Death Knights, and in such numbers! Marvellous! Marvellous!! Marvellous!!! For such an amazing person to be here! Marvellous! Fuhahahaha!"

A single tear oozed from the corner of his eye, and he smiled like a madman.

—No, that was not it.

This was the true nature of a man who had abandoned his position as a wizard of the Imperial court to glimpse the deepest mysteries of the abyss called "magic." Until now, it had been hidden under the mask of a hero, but it had surfaced in the presence of a powerful magic caster.

"Well then, Your Majesty. What shall we do now? Should we flee with teleportation magic? I think if we teleported now, we should be able to make it, no? Assuming the terrain allows for it…"

Seeing Fluder\'s mocking smile, Jircniv laughed.

"I like that face of yours, Gramps. Then, let me ask a question in turn. Do you think I will run?"

Cracks spread rapidly throughout Fluder\'s face. That was the smile of a madman, which instilled terror in all who saw it.

"As expected of his Majesty. The same as me. I want to see, meet him. The great magic caster that can command the Death Knight, Ainz Ooal Gown-dono."

"That much?"

In contrast to Fluder who could not command even one, Ainz Ooal Gown could command five. Thinking simply, Ainz Ooal Gown was at least five times stronger than Fluder.

"Hahaha, of course, your Majesty. He is probably on another level than me. I am very excited to meet such a powerful magic caster while still alive."

The faces of Fluder\'s disciples were all pale, and the knights were scared that they were in the yard of such an existence. The only ones calm were Jircniv and Fluder.

"Your Majesty, what should we do?"

Baziwood asked Fluder in bafflement. Jircniv then looked at everyone.

Even excluding Fluder and his disciples, the knights were slowly getting demoralised. It was to the point that it was not strange for one to break. This was due to Fluder\'s strange state and the strength of the Death Knights. They were uneasy because they had to methods to deal with one.

Jircniv was strange for being able to remain calm despite being told that they were approaching death. On the other hand Fluder\'s thirst for the knowledge of magic triumphed over his fear.

"We can do nothing though?"

"Ha? Is that fine?"

"…Baziwood, look at Jii. He\'s the most familiar of all of us with magic and he\'s like that now. All we can do is leave everything to our hosts."

"How about escaping?"

"Do you really think we can escape?"

Baziwood glanced at the maids. They had clearly overheard them talking about fleeing, but calmly continued their preparations anyway.

"What if we took a hostage?"

"Can we?"

"….Seems to be impossible."

They felt that they could not. Baziwood felt that the maid was more mysterious than the Death Knights. The other 3 knights had the same impression. It was to the point that they imagined that even fighting at full strength, they could only hold for several tens of seconds.

"….Are we ready, then? In that case, everyone, I hope you will relax over here."

There were many tables and chairs in place on the grass. The tables were covered in pure white tablecloths and large parasols gave shade. The Death Knights who had been moving the furniture into place were standing by beside the log house in order not to get in the way.

"We have also prepared refreshments for you."

Decanters beaded with moisture were arrayed on the tables, filled with an orange liquid. Beside them were high-stemmed wine glasses made of clear crystal. Each of them was intricately carved with elaborate designs.

Even Jircniv, an Emperor who enjoyed the best things in life, could not help but stare with eyes agape at the display before him.

"Please let us know if you need anything else. Then, everyone―"

The log house\'s door opened once more, and more maids filed out from within. Their incredible beauty was enough to wipe away all the fear and unease they had experienced until now.

Jircniv naturally did not know them, but they were the other five Battlemaids, Lupusregina Beta, Narberal Gamma, CZ Delta, Solution Epsilon, Entoma Vasillissa Zeta.

"Gubuu!"

His voice leaking once again, everyone\'s gazes fell on Fluder. Fluder hobbled towards Narberal.

"….I, I would like to ask a question, is that permitted?"

Fluder\'s tone was one of extreme reverence and respect. It was more respectful that the tone he used to speak to Jircniv.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Ah, aaa. Ainz Ooal Gown-dono— No." Fluder shook his head. "Does Ainz Ooal Gown-sama use magic of a higher tier than you?"

"….Yes. Naturally."

Narberal\'s eyes moved towards her relaxed fingers. Looking closely, one could see the faint outline of a ring that was recently removed.

"Oh….. This may be rude…. but can you…. Use the 8th Tier of Magic?"

"….That is correct."

Hearing those words, Fluder hobbled back to the table and collapsed on the chair. Originally it was meant for the Emperor, and someone would chide him for his act. But no one did.

As Fluder\'s shoulders shook, he was trying to hide his tears of joy with his hands. The maid had said that she could use the 8th Tier. Fools that failed to grasp what that meant were not invited on this trip.

The knights looked at each other.

The hero Fluder had reached the 6th Tier. The 8th Tier was far beyond it. While they did not understand the specifics, they could guess how much they were outclassed..

The simple maid before them was far stronger than Fluder. And the insane fact that someone had used her as a maid.

This was such a strange situation that someone would get a headache from it.

"Hahahahahahha! Amazing! It\'s amazing! The 8th Tier which I thought I could never reach is right in front of me! Did you hear that, you lot!"

The crazed gaze of Fluder\'s was directed at his disciples.

"She\'s a maid! Not a dragon with a lifespan close to infinity, not a race far stronger than humans, just a simple human maid! And Ainz Ooal Gown has a power that exceeds even that!"

Fluder stood up from the chair with enough force to cause it to shake, ran to Narberal, fell to his kneels and begged.

"Ohh! Hurry, hurry please, I would like to meet Ainz Ooal Gown-sama. Even a little is fine, but could he please teach this foolish person a sliver of magic!"

Fluder\'s gaze once again fell on his disciples.

"We are currently stepping into the realm of legends! Can you hear me! From here onwards, do not even blink! Everything is a treasure! This land is the land of legends!"

"Fluder, could you calm down!"

Unable to look at this mess any longer, Jircniv raised his voice. Instantly, Fluder\'s eyes finally showed reason as he realised he was spoken to.

"Have you missed something, Fluder? We\'re here as representatives of the Empire, not to satisfy your thirst for magical knowledge."

"…Forgive me, Your Majesty. I was overcome by excitement. I beg the forgiveness of everyone else present as well."

Fluder stood up and lowered his head at the maids.

"That\'s right, Jii. Have a drink, calm yourself down. Then, shall we?"

"Understood."

Yuri slowly filled the glasses on the table before Jircniv with that same orange fluid. A fragrant citrus scent wafted through the air.

Jircniv took a mouthful of the fruit juice, and the taste was such that he could not help but smile. It was a smile that seemed to say, what have I been drinking all my life. Looks of surprise appeared on the faces of the surrounding royal guards. If even Jircniv, who lived a life of decadence, could be surprised like this, how much more so these common men? As if to illustrate that point, there were many who had forgotten their manners and gulped the juice down as fast as possible.

Shortly after, shocked exclamations rang out from the gathered men.

"It\'s delicious!"

"What kind of drink is this, it\'s a perfect blend of sweet and sour!"

"It glides down your throat, and there\'s no cloying aftertaste!"

Jircniv took another drink as he heard the praise from all around him.

Even the drinks of Nazarick were the best. Jircniv smiled bitterly. To think, even a simple drink could defeat him so thoroughly.

How long had they stayed out of the sun and heard the wind blow through the grass? Eventually, Yuri said the words which Jircniv longed to hear.

"I apologize for the delay. Ainz-sama is ready to see you now, so please follow me."

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