Overlord (WN)

Negotiations Part 6

Translators: Skythewood, Frostfire10

Jircniv arrived at a hemispherical room. He stood before a pair of vast double doors. Intricate carvings decorated both sides of the doors; a beautiful goddess on the right and a cruel-looking demon on the left. Countless ominous-looking statues were arrayed around them.

If one had to give it a name, it would probably be "The Gates of Judgement." Jircniv pondered those doors as he looked over them.

The huge room was quiet, so quiet that he imagined he could hear the metaphorical sound of silence.

Indeed, nobody from the Imperial contingent had uttered a single word ever since they had been brought here. The only sounds were the metallic noises of armor scraping against armor.

They were not silent out of politeness, but rather, they had passed all manner of wondrous sights before coming here, which had stolen their souls away.

It was like a world of legends, the realm of the gods.

It would have been too much to expect them to not be entranced by the nigh-mythical scenes they had seen. In truth, even Jircniv found it hard to control the impulse to gawk openly at his surroundings as he walked.

Such a world spread out before them.

He glanced over his shoulder to look at his subordinates who had followed him here.

The Four Knights, and their ten elite knights. Fluder and his four disciples. The secretary Roune and his two subordinates. A total of 22 people.

Everyone following him had drawn in their shoulders.

This was the result of walking through this passage which even the Empire's finest artisans would not be able to replicate, which filled them with a sense of being tiny and insignificant.

The Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick, and the one called Ainz Ooal Gown were too powerful and extremely difficult to describe.

This could not be helped.

The smile on Jircniv's face was filled with self-mockery. Humans would naturally bow their heads to those who exceeded them. Anyone that was unimpressed by these architectural and artistic marvels must surely lack the capacity to feel.

"This is troubling."

Jircniv whispered.

Ainz Ooal Gown waited beyond that door.

He was a magic caster that far exceeded Fluder and was someone impossible to compare to whether in the past or present. If the beauty of his residence already surpassed the limits of human imagination, he must have a power to match.

He was a being who possessed every possible advantage.

Before he gets pulled to the Kingdom, I want him in my circle. Jircniv wanted to kick the him of that time.

Attracting him with money would be useless.

Same with strength.

As for members of the opposite sex— Jircniv thought of Yuri and the maids— they would be useless. Well, assuming he was a man.

Offers of rank and authority meant nothing to someone who lived in a place like this.

Then what might he want?

Jircniv could not imagine it. The desires that motivated people may not move Ainz Ooal Gown. Could anything Jircniv own move his heart.

"….It would be very difficult, huh."

Jircniv's mind ran through countless stratagems and ploys to use against Ainz Ooal Gown. The conclusion was that he could do nothing. He came to the answer that the wisest thing he could do was hope Ainz did not regard him as an enemy.

As he gave voice to these thoughts, Jircniv found that they were louder than he imagined.

However, nobody around him reacted. They were too mesmerized by their surroundings.

"The Throne Room lies beyond. Ainz-sama waits for you within."

After that, Yuri announced that her part was over, and bowed deeply to Jircniv.

As though waiting for those words, the vast double doors swung open slowly, without being touched.

Several sudden intakes of breath reached Jircniv's ears. It was not just one or two instances, but over ten of them, probably well over half the people who had come to this place. Many among them had not been able to fully muster their resolve against the fear that gripped them and allowed their desire to flee to show on their faces. In other words, many of the Imperial contingent had been hoping that those double doors would not open.

It was precisely because of that reason that Jircniv was grateful that the doors had opened automatically. Who knew how long they would have to wait if they needed to work up the courage to pass through those doors first?

A vast room came into view, with a ceiling that was very high and very broad. The walls were predominantly white, with extensive gold decorations and highlights.

Luxurious, multicolored chandeliers made of precious stones from all the colors of the rainbow hung from the ceiling, radiating a fantastic light. Huge flags hung from poles set into the walls.

This room was the epitome of a "throne room". There was no better word to describe a place like this.

Jircniv and the others blanched pale as an oppressive air swept over them from inside the room.

A crimson carpet ran down the center of the room, and flanking it were a series of immeasurably powerful beings.

There were Demons, Dragons, bizarre humanoids, armored knights, bipedal insects and Elves. Each was different from the other in size and appearance, but the one thing they had in common was the overwhelming might each of them possessed. A countless number of such beings lined the sides. They probably numbered over 100.

They watched Jircniv and company in silence. Although it was said that one could sense a certain kind of strength in the eyes of those with power or status, this was the first time Jircniv had ever felt a physical pressure.

The sound of low moans and the shuddering of metal armor plates came from behind Jircniv.

It was proof that his subjects were scared out of their wits.

However, he could be honest about this.

Jircniv did not intend to reproach his subordinates for showing their fear. Rather, he wanted to praise them, because every single one of them had conquered that fear and stayed behind him. The fact that they had remained steadfast in the face of these terrifying beings was to be lauded.

Jircniv's threat evaluation of Ainz Ooal Gown rose by several dozen levels at once. His wariness had been revised ever upward since he arrived here. But even that had been far too naïve. He had determined that Ainz Ooal Gown was not simply a threat to the Empire, but to the continued survival of the entire species, to humans and demihumans both.

Jircniv's eyes followed the carpet forward.

Far ahead of them was a set of stairs, and around it were assembled people that Jircniv surmised were Ainz' aides. A dark elf, a silver haired beauty, a silver bipedal insect, and a demon.

And lastly—

"That is…"

Upon a crystal throne sat the physical incarnation of Death. It held a strange-looking staff in hand.

It was a monster with a bare skull for a head.

It was like a being that had been formed from concentrating and condensing the darkness into a single point.

—It was Ainz Ooal Gown.

A magnificent crown sat upon his head, and his body was cloaked in a luxurious sable robe. Rings glittered brightly on his fingers. Even from such a distance, Jircniv could clearly tell that the exquisite accessories which Ainz wore cost more than the Empire made in a year.

Blood-red points of light glowed within the empty eye sockets of Ainz Ooal Gown's skull. As they swept over Jircniv' and his contingent, it felt as if they were tasting him.

He did not seem shocked by the fact that Ainz was not human. Instead, he was relieved that he was not human.

It was because Ainz was not human that Jircniv could honestly accept that Ainz was a superior being that was far out of his league.

"Hu…"

Jircniv exhaled quietly. It was a sign of his resolve.

The door had been opened, but it had not been opened for long. It was certainly not long enough for anyone to comment on their inactivity. Still, they could not wait out here forever. And so— Jircniv stepped forward.

"Let's go."

Jircniv's words were quiet enough that only those behind him could hear them. Anyone who saw him would be surprised by how he could speak without opening his mouth. This was not magic, but pure skill. It was a skill that was particularly useful in this sort of setting.

However, Jircniv could not sense anyone moving in response to his words.

It could not be helped.

Advancing to stand before Ainz Ooal Gown meant that they would have to pass between the flanking lines of monsters. Though he knew that they would probably not attack them, walking in front of these creatures still required a great deal of courage.

His judgement that they would not be attacked was not simple optimism.

The reasons for using a throne room like this were for ceremonial purposes, as well as displaying the power of one's nation. These were facts that anyone would know. Were that not the case, one would use a smaller room. In other words, the reasons for choosing this place were to display the power of Nazarick, and to show that he had no intent of killing Jircniv and his followers.

And there were many grosteque figures in front. All of them had power that was on another level.

And upon the throne was Ainz Ooal Gown himself.

At great length, Jircniv realised something in the depths of his soul.

He realised that they were standing in the presence of what men would call a god. Jircniv possessed a magic item that defended against mental attacks, but the pressure he was facing was outside the scope of the item's protection. If he lost his focus but once, even the man known as the Bloody Emperor would be able to do nothing but kneel before Ainz.

Still, it was precisely because of that reason that he had to go.

Just as Jircniv was observing Ainz Ooal Gown, Ainz Ooal Gown was also observing Jircniv. If he disapproved of what he saw, what would happen to the Empire in future? At the very least, he had to let Ainz recognize the value of Jircniv, and by extension, the continued existence of the Empire.

The pessimistic man who thought he could turn his life into a bargaining chip would laugh at this sight.

Jircniv laughed at himself. On top of not knowing about such an overwhelmingly strong person, he had acted like he was still above him. It told him that he was still a child.

"Let's go!"

Jircniv moved forward. He could sense his men following him.

It was a very soft carpet, but to Jircniv right now, it seemed far too light and ephemeral.

He firmly shunted aside the innumerable glares directed at him and moved forward, keeping his eyes fixed on the person that lay before him ― Ainz Ooal Gown. He had a hunch that if he turned his eyes from his objective, his feet would no longer be able to move.

Jircniv was not an excellent warrior or anything like that, but the reason why he could move forward, leading his men where his royal guard feared to tread was because of the mental fortitude that had been bred into him as an Emperor.

At last, he reached the base of the steps.

Originally a person from his side would announce his presence but—.

"Ainz-sama, this is the ruler of the Baharuth Empire, Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix, who seeks an audience with you."

The demon that was closest to the throne, and a person whom the gods made in the image of death, spoke.

"I am glad you have come, Emperor of the Baharuth Empire. I am the master of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz Ooal Gown."

A faint pang of relief ran through Jircniv. His voice was more normal than he expected— like that of a human being.

For example, if he spoke in an insect like voice, it would be difficult to read his tone. While there were emotionless voices among humans, it was possible to understand them by the fact that they were humans.

"I humbly thank you for your most generous welcome, Ainz Ooal Gown-dono."

One could not read facial expressions from a skull. What sort of opening would best fit the current situation? Jircniv carefully pondered that question. However, the one who spoke first was neither Jircniv, nor Ainz.

"Ainz-sama. It is disrespectful for inferior species such as humans to address you as an equal," the demon said. "「Kneel」".

Jircniv heard the sound of metal plates clanking, but he did not need to turn around to know what was going on. His subjects must have knelt in response to the demon's voice. At the same time he could hear the desperate grunting that came from those who wanted to rise, but could not.

It must have been some sort of powerful mental domination effect.

Had Jircniv not worn the necklace he never took off, he would be kneeling like his men.

Countless gazes affixed themselves on Jircniv, the only one to remain standing. They were cold, clinical stares, as though Jircniv were nothing more than a guinea pig.

"―That's enough, Demiurge."

"Understood!"

The demon called Demiurge lowered his head.

"…Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix, my subordinate has done something rude to a noble guest who has come from far away to visit my domain. The sins of the vassal are those of the liege, and as such I beg your forgiveness. I hope this is a matter which can be resolved with a bowing of the head."

Jircniv's heart was filled with caution and relief. He was cautious, because he realized that Ainz was not the type who handled matters solely with brute force. Similarly, he was relieved, because Ainz was not the type who handled matters solely with brute force.

"Of course. It is not rare for subordinates to misunderstand their master's will and run amok. Should that occur, I— A person of the Empire may do the same thing. At that time, I seek Ainz Ooal Gown-dono's forgiveness."

"Ooh. Understood. I swear on my name that I will do so."

"My gratitude."

First was to discard the card of the workers invading this place. Even this monster would be troubled by that. However, everything would be decided from here on out.

Jircniv hardened his resolve. This was the beginning of what would probably be the most dangerous but fun negotiation he ever had. He cannot win with strength. However, he would let him know of human wisdom.

That determination turned into power to be able to look at Ainz Ooal Gown in the eye.

Was Ainz Ooal Gown surprised as he learned of human bravery? Jircniv thought that.

Their gazes met.

And Jircniv erased his hard expression he had until now, and made a bright and friendly smile.

"Ainz Ooal Gown-dono. Being able to meet you…. Can I thank God for it?"

Ainz Ooal Gown breathed. As if he was awakening for the main battle.

"….Do as you wish. I personally do not believe in a god, thus I shall not stop you from doing so."

"….You do not believe in a god?" Does he have no relation to the gods of the Slane Theocracy? "….Then allow me to thank you. Now, before we speak, my name is quite long, and so…. How about calling me Jircniv?"

"….Is that so? Then allow me to do so. I do not mind being called Ainz."

"My gratitude. Ainz."

In contrast to the friendly Jircniv, Ainz spoke to him as if he were a third party.

"Being able to meet an absolute ruler like Ainz is something I am extremely grateful for. As an Emperor, I feel various pressures as someone who stands at the stop. How about you?"

"It is true that I do."

"….I see. Then you are the same…. Naturally you are above me, but shall we deepen our friendship as people who feel the same stress?"

"….Meaning?"

"Shall we be friends?"

Those somewhat prideful words caused the atmosphere in the Throne Room to become heavy. However Jircniv's expression did not change, and simply gazed at Ainz.

Receiving it, Ainz shifted his posture on the throne. He placed his bony finger on his cheek and returned the gaze.

He threw his curveball. Next was to see how Ainz would react.

"….A friend?"

Ainz's voice and a hint of a smile on it. Seeing it, the ones standing at his side made wry expressions. They were not words the weak should say to the strong after all.

"Are you not mistaking this for subservience?"

The sound of something metal falling could be heard, along with the sounds of clothes ruffling. The silver-haired girl was grimacing, and the dark elf girl next to her was making an aspirated expression. Jircniv did not see what had happened with his kinetic vision, but it seemed that the dark elf had kicked the silver-haired girl.

Despite such a thing being in his field of vision, Ainz decided to ignore it, and spoke.

"A friend…. Isn't that fine? Let us become friends."

Jircniv felt the murmurs through his skin. They were from the denizens of Nazarick, and his subordinates. It was born from the fact that Ainz just accepted an inferior being as a friend.

At the same time, Jircniv felt a bottomless terror from the existence called Ainz. Ainz's reply was completely out of his expectations.

Why did he become a friend?

Why did he not request subservience?

Why did an absolute ruler, a person in an overwhelming position, accept his request?

If he had asked for subservience, Jircniv had countless plans. The answer that he would become a friend was outside of Jircniv's predictions.

Why was he willing to become a friend? It was impossible for him to be serious about this. So what was he aiming for?

Jircniv could not read Ainz.

When fighting the strong, the weak would think of methods to trip them up. One could call it using the pride of the strong against them. However, if the strong were not arrogant, that method could not be used.

The one method the weak could use to battle lost its meaning.

Ainz was just that. He did not act to have the pride of the strong.

Thinking about that, Jircniv thought of the possibility that Ainz was planning to restrict his movements with this.

He was not all muscle.

What Jircniv feared about Ainz was not only his power, but his wisdom as well.

"My gratitude, my new friend Ainz."

"This is good. My new friend Jircniv. Shall we now move to the main topic? My lifespan is long, but you humans live as long as bubbles right? There is no need to waste time on pointless topics. Now, what did you come here for?"

This was the main event.

Jircniv picked the finest plan he could think of from the numberless plots and stratagems he had come up with in the short time until now.

"You are a person that wields a wondrous power, I originally came to ask you to become my subordinate, but allow me to discard that idea. In return…. Would you build a country here?"

"….Hou?"

"To build a nation here and to rule it as king ― I think that is a great idea. It is a position that best suits you, Gown-dono. Our Empire will gladly supply all the aid and resources you need to found this nation. How about that?"

Excluding Cocytus, the ones standing next to Ainz all had expressions of admiration plastered on their faces. They had felt that this was a fitting idea for their master.

Seeing them, Jircniv felt there was nothing to worry about. As expected, he only needed to be wary of Ainz.

After not replying to Jircniv and instead silently staring at him, Ainz finally opened his mouth.

"…Jircniv-dono, I do not believe that plan holds any merits for you."

He expected this answer. Thus, Jircniv acted out the play in his heart.

"The Empire shall support you to build a country here. You would be grateful for that right? I want you— The country you rule and my Empire shall become allies. This is also a consideration for the future."

It was a reasonable answer. His response should be too.

Jircniv prayed that Ainz fell for his trap.

And—

"No there is no need. Rather than that, Jircniv— I will defer to you."

A shockwave spread outwards from the two of them. The denizens of Nazarick were shocked and enraged that their master would subordinate himself to someone. Some of Jircniv's subordinates thought that he was manipulated by magic.

Even Demiurge had his eyes wide open in shock as he stared at Ainz.

Present, there was only one person who had a reaction which was different from shock— No, it had become two.

One was Jircniv. And slightly later, was Demiurge.

The two were expressionless. The only signs were the slight changes in their eyes. However, the two had completely different emotions.

Jircniv had rage in his eyes due to his plan being seen through.

And after his shock, Demiurge's were filled with respect and admiration.

"….What are you saying, Ainz. You are not a man who would become anyone's retainer. You are one who stands above others."

"….Thank you for saying that, Jircniv. Then would you please accept me. We are friends so this should be fine."

"………!"

Jircniv clicked his tongue as Ainz was using their relationship as friends to this point.

In this conversation, Ainz had said that they were closer than friends. Of course, with this disparity of power, if Ainz said that they were equals as friends, he could not be disagreed with.

However, this was different from the first part of the conversation, he could not use his higher position to gain anything. After all, the one to suggest becoming friends first was Jircniv.

This monster.

Beneath Jircniv's warm smile, he was constantly cursing Ainz.

The denizens of Nazarick finally calmed down. They did this as they could read Jircniv's slight change in expression.

"—B, but."

"— I, Jircniv. I do not believe there is any worth in a country built solely from your assistance. And it brings nothing to you. Borrowing as much as possible from the Empire, there are no merits for you. You said you are my friend. If you give me a territory, in return I shall kneel to you. I would also be very happy if you prepare me a suitable position. Since I am going to be within the Empire's umbrella."

Jircniv fell silent. Ignoring the fact that he had heard such a convincing argument, he could say nothing under this situation. This strangeness could be felt by everyone present.

Just, what happened?

What meaning did Ainz's words have?

If you give me territory I will become your subordinate. It was an extremely natural thing, and nothing was wrong. But Ainz was an extremely powerful existence, and it felt very strange for him to bow to anyone.

How did Ainz take Jircniv's silence? He spoke again in impatience.

"Are there any problems with me becoming your subordinate? My friend."

At those words, Jircniv found his determination, and agreed.

In front of those mocking words, Jircniv had no means to resist.

"….No, there are no problems. There are few things that can make me happier than you becoming part of the Empire, my friend. Then for your position, how about becoming a Frontier Earl?"

Blood related relatives of the Emperor would be Dukes, and below them were Marquesses, Earls, Viscounts and Barons. A Frontier Earl was equivalent to a Marquis in the Empire. It was the highest rank that a non-blood related noble could reach, excluding marriage.

Such a noble had a large private army, a wide and vast territory and could make their own laws to a limited extent. Considering that, it was a suitable position for Ainz.

"….How many Frontier Earls are there in the Empire?"

"Currently two."

During the reign of the Blood Emperor, Frontier Earls were the nobles that were removed due to their level of authority. When Jircniv just became Emperor, there were five. Despite the fact that they were meant to protect the borders of the Empire.

"Then I shall become the third? There are that many huh…."

"….And so?"

Why did he say that. It was obvious, and did not need to be said.

Jircniv now saw Ainz's goal. He wanted him to make it clear that they were [Equals].

"….It is true that there are other Frontier Earls. Giving you that position is not enough. As my new friend…. I shall make a new position known as a Frontier Marquis and present it to you. How about it?"

A Frontier Earl was seen as a Marquis, and was nothing more than a change in title. However, that change had a huge importance. Basically, this had the two meanings that Ainz was special enough for Jircniv to create a new position for him, and that he was highly valued.

If a Frontier Earl was equivalent to a Marquis, then a Frontier Marquis would be equivalent to a Duke, or so the nobles would think

Ainz would be equal to a blood-related Duke. And his war potential was beyond imagination. Basically he was be someone who was infinitely close to the position of Emperor.

Jircniv believed that this position would be suitable to meet Ainz's silent demands.

Ainz fell silent.

Just as Jircniv thought that he was not satisfied with the created position, Ainz spoke.

"I see…. A new position…. Just how should I act?"

Wondering what a person with a ruler's presence was saying, Jircniv noticed the undertones in that statement and made a wry smile.

"Hahaha. Such a joke. You can act like a normal Frontier Earl. You would be equal to me."

"….Ah…. Understood. I intended to express the minimum amount of loyalty as your subordinate to the surroundings, but if you are willing to do that then I will not be dragged into anything bad…. I have never bowed my head before, so I have no confidence in expressing my loyalty to you."

"Understood. I shall send people to support you for that."

"….I would be happy if you did so. Now this is a change in topic, but the Frontier Earls I know…. Are the Frontier Marquises of the Empire the same as other Frontier Marquises? I believe that there is a need to check, how about it?"

"Exactly. You have to know about the Empire's laws such as the tax from gaining territory. A detailed explanation is necessary."

Other countries did have Frontier Earls, but they were in a grey area. In some cases, they were treated as a individual country on their own. If he was to make the position of Frontier Marquises, he needed to refine the details of such a position to allow Ainz to integrate with the Imperial Nobles.

"I see. Then I shall dispatch my cloe aid— Demiurge."

"Understood. Him right." As Jircniv looked at him, Demiurge responded with a bright smile."We shall go into detail about this later. I shall return to the Empire immediately to announce the birth of you as a new noble and a declaration of war to gain this territory. And since you are the Frontier Marquis Ainz Ooal Gown this will be known as the Gown Frontier Territory. I have to prepare for that as well."

"No, please put it as Ainz Ooal Gown Frontier Territory."

Jircniv had a strange expression on his face.

"Is Gown Frontier Territory not possible?"

"No. I would like its proper name to be Ainz Ooal Gown Frontier Territory."

It was a strange name. Who the heck attaches their full name to a territory? However, considering that he was strangely insisted on that, Jircniv felt that he would not let this go.

"….Well it's not like it has not been done before, let's go with that."

Some mad men would do such strange things. To prevent Ainz from being misunderstood, Jircniv would need to secretly inform the nobles.

If a bad rumour— One that was making fun of Ainz entered his ears, it would be a disaster.

"I'm happy for your understanding. Please do. If you require my assistance for anything, just say."

"….Nothing immediately comes to mind. However, I would like to establish a point of immediate contact and a place where my people can stay."

"….Understood. I shall search for that."

"Then I shall leave my secretary here, so can I leave those details to you?"

"Ah. I do not mind."

"Then…. Roune Vermillion!"

"—Yes!"

Roune, who was still stuck to the floor due to Demiurge's curse, spoke up.

"Please teach my new friend, the new Frontier Marquis all of the laws he needs to know. Stay here from now on."

"……..Aa."

"What's wrong? Roune."

"N, no, I just thought that it does not require me. I shall send my—"

"Roune. This is your job."

Hearing Jircniv's reply that did not allow refusal, Roune made a devastated face, and spoke without energy.

"….Understood."

"Ainz. He should inform you."

"Is that so? Then as I said so it would be Demiurge. Please teach him. Demiurge?"

"Yes. [Be free]."

Following the release of the command curse, even Jircniv could hear the sighs of relief from being released from that constant pressure.

"Now my friend. I know that you will return to the Empire, but if possible do you mind if I— No if my subordinates escort you back?"

Jircniv felt a bit of curiosity at Ainz's suggestion. However he ignored it. That was not all he meant.

"I am grateful for your hospitality. However I came here by carriage. Thus I should return by carriage."

"An undead headless horse would not require rest…."

"….Apologies, my friend. Just your feelings are enough."

"Is that so?"

Were his actions an act or sincere? Jircniv had no clue. Well, it was highly probable that this was an act. Ainz aimed to broadcast to the whole Empire that he was close to the Emperor.

"Then I shall return home."

"Since you are here why not stay a night? I shall welcome you with all I have."

"No, I'm afraid I cannot. I have to do various things the moment I return."

"Is that so? Such a pity. Demiurge…. Escort our guests outside."

Ainz ordered Demiurge in a lighthearted tone. Like he was telling him to see out a friend. However, the two could easily see through to his true intentions.

Demiurge made a sincere smile that came from his heart. It was unimaginably evil.

Jircniv could not stop his goosebumps.

Even if it did not affect him, Demiurge's words had a restraining effect. He would probably use it on the people that would come here. Offering residence was probably a part of that plan.

Ainz had becoming a friend, gaining the position of Frontier Marquis, and making it clear that immediately after becoming part of the Empire he would then squirm about in the dark.

Of course, this was nothing more than a front.

"No, it's fine. I have to start work immediately."

Ainz tilted his head in confusion.

—What an irritating act. Beneath Jircniv's warm smile, he was forcibly crushing his anger.

"Is that so? Then it's fine. If you need anything, just speak to the maid outside."

"Thank you, my friend."

"Do not mind it, my friend."

The moment Jircniv turned his back on Ainz, one man who was kneeling until now suddenly stood up.

"Ainz Ooal Gown-sama! I, I have a request!"

The one who shouted out in such a serious manner was Fluder. As everyone was shocked by the development, he spoke again.

"Please I beg of you! Please make me your disciple!"

The Throne Room fell slient.

Ainz looked at Jircniv, perplexed.

Even he had not expected this development. Jircniv relaxed slightly.

"Sorry, but who is he?"

"Ah, he is the Head Magician of the Empire, Fluder."

"I am Fluder Paradyne. Ainz Ooal Gown-sama."

Fluder bowed deeply. It was a bow that he did not show even Jircniv, a serious one that was filled with loyalty.

"I have been stupified by Gown-sama's supreme magical power and desire even a scrap of it. I shall devote my everything, so please teach me! Please I beg of you! Please make me your disciple."

And with that, Fluder knelt and placed his head on the floor. The red carpet sunk underneath his forehead.

Ainz stroked his staff several times in confusion and asked Jircniv.

"….What should I do, Jircniv. I have no problem with it, but he is very important to your country right? I cannot just make him my disciple."

Jircniv made his decision immediately after seeing the kneeling Fluder.

Losing Fluder was painful. If used properly, he could rival an army, and he was one of the wisest in the Empire. However, if he refused here, he would gain Fluder's ire.

If done poorly, he would make a potential enemy, and it was possible that he would sell out the Empire to become Ainz's disciple.

If possible, he wanted to tell Fluder to wait until his equal, a successor was born, it was unclear when or if that would happen. Making an immediate decision allow Fluder to see his magaminity and could be seen as a favour.

"No, I don't mind. Fluder. You are relieved of your position. Basically you are not a subordinate of the Empire."

"Oh, your majesty. My gratitude."

"Eh? Is that fine?" Ainz whisper failed to enter anyone's ears and disappeared. "….Demiurge."

Demiurge bowed.

"….What do you think?"

"….What do you mean?"

"Hm…. How should I put this…."

Ainz muddled his words. This made Jircniv relieved. The earlier figure of the strategist was gone, and he only looked like a confused human being.

"Yes…. Do you think a mere human can handle my knowledge?"

"There is no problem!" Fluder shouted out. "Certainly, I do not believe that I can contain all of Gown-sama's deep knowledge. However, if I can gain even a fraction of it, there is nothing better!"

"….If you are to become my disciple, swear on my na—"

"Yes! I shall give my everything to Gown-sama, so please teach me."

"Hm…."

Ainz looked for any contrary opinions in the surroundings.

For some reason, Shalltear's face was plastered in superiority.

Aura was making a face that said "This is natural."

Cocytus was— Insects were difficult to read.

Demiurge was expressionless, and considering his earlier answer, he was leaving this to Ainz.

He could not find any contrary opinion. So Ainz nodded.

"Fine. You may become my disciple."

"Thank you very much!"

His voice filled with excitement could only come from those who have reached the high point of their lives. No, Fluder's would begin from this instant onwards.

"Now." Ainz took a book out from nowhere. "Demiurge. Pass this to him."

Demiurge excepted the black book with great care, descended down the stairs, and placed the book in Fluder's open hands. Fluder looked like he had been given a grace by god but was awakened by Ainz's voice.

"Open it, my disciple."

"Yes!"

Feeling strong joy from being called a disciple, still kneeling, Fluder bowed his head further.

Fluder then cautiously spread open the pages. A old musty smell rose forth from it, as well as small waves of magic power. The temperature of the surroundings fell slightly. Fluder got goosebumps.

Such a deep magic power— Fluder stole a glance at his master. He recalled the shock he felt when he saw Ainz for the first time. His magic power that seemed to rush out of him.

Fluder then remembered that now was not the time to think of those things. If his own disciples did so he would reprimand them immediately.

Fluder's gaze fell on the open pages. On the thin pages were finely written words.

"Can you read it?"

Fluder cast translation magic. And his eyes opened in shock.

This was a mass of knowledge. Countless amounts of information regarding death and magic rituals were recorded inside. It was a book of magic more amazing than anything Fluder had seen before.

His hand shook from nervousness.

It was impossible to measure the worth of such a book. This was a book more important than any other in the surrounding countries. A book that any magic caster would kill for. And Fluder was holding such a book.

"Can you understand it?"

He slowly and carefully turned the page.

His two eyes were bloodshot as he tried to understand the abyss of magic. However, the knowledge was too great, and he failed to do so. Even using his memorisation ability that he spent his whole life refining, he only understood a small portion.

"Can you understand it?"

His master's voice could be heard again.

"I…. cannot. No, I can understand a portion of it, but not the general…."

"Then it seems that you are currently unable to handle my knowledge."

"….My apologies."

Fluder apologised for disappointing his master.

His earlier sense of ecstasy left immediately and a dark despair crashed into him like waves. While Ainz did cause that change, he also gave him a helping hand.

"Fine. Fluder."

Hearing the kind voice of his respectable master, Fluder raised his head and gazed at Ainz.

"My disciple there is no need to rush. Study it slowly. Spend your life to understand this book. Then learn another book. After that you can gain my knowledge. It is dangerous to let those without preparation to touch the abyss of magic. Anyway, I shall open my library. If you need to research, do so. Demiurge is busy so…. Shalltear."

"Yes."

"Afterwards, introduce Fluder to Titus. And inform Nazarick that Fluder has become my disciple. And talk to Pestonya and other related people for Fluder's room."

"Understood."

"My disciple. You may call me Ainz."

"Understood, my master— Ainz-sama."

Fluder hugged the book and bowed deeply. Ecstasy was evident on his face.

"Now Jircniv. I've shown you something boring."

"No, it was quite interesting."

Jircniv kept silent as he watched Ainz's reactions but broke it while he watched Fluder.

Fluder had offered his everything to Ainz. As long as Ainz ordered it, he would do anything without hesitation. Even if it meant harming the Empire.

The Head Magician of the Empire died, and a fervent disciple of Ainz Ooal Gown was born.

Seeing in person that Ainz was excellent at handling people, Jircniv's level of caution of Ainz was raised another level.

"Anyway allow me to take my leave friend. I intend to contact you as soon as possible, my friend."

"Yes, Nazarick will do our best to open our doors as soon as possible."

"That is very heartening, my Frontier Marquis."

"Ah. My Emperor, let us meet again."