章 500: 9
Chapter 9 - Heaven's Wrath
After weeks' ride, Sebas and Solution finally reached the capital of RE-Estize. During this time both had gotten used to their roles with Solution not apologizing anymore for each time she had to address Sebas somewhat disrespectfully, as her role of a spoiled daughter dictated.
On the way there, Sebas had already made some very useful contacts as a traveling merchant. While staying at the inn in E-Pespel, he had encountered a minor noble who was desperate to save his wife. With the scarcity of priests, he was afraid she would die before receiving healing, and Sebas could provide a means to prevent that.
One of the more common items in Yggdrasil was the preservation ring, an item that prevented players from dying by taking indirect damage so no status effect could kill them, only direct damage. Sebas sold one such ring to noble, earning his gratitude and a recommendation letter for the richest merchant in RE-Estize - Zoran Romenof.
Getting inside the capital wasn't too hard, just decent bribes to guards, and it opened VIP doors for them. Guards even gave directions to the merchant district and recommended an upper-end inn. Sebas noted that corruption in this kingdom was so bad that bribes were needed everywhere just to move around.
As usual, Solution turned the heads of all men at the inn. She presented herself with a shy smile and looking down as a modest and reserved maiden. Sebas hawk's gaze on the other hand gave off the impression of a protective father. With a quick meal, both disappeared from the tavern area and went to one of the rooms they have rented. News spread fast that a new merchant named Sebastian Secundo with his daughter Salsa was in the city and possessed enchanted items.
Sebas hired an errand boy and with a generous tip send him to deliver the recommendation letter to the merchant and await an answer. The boy returned a few hours later with an invitation to dinner tomorrow.
The next day they set out to visit Zoran. Not wanting to make the merchant wait on them, Sebas orders a doppelganger posing as coachman to prepare carriage in advance. The address wasn't that far away and it would only take a twenty-minute ride to get there.
"Do we have intel on this Zoran Romenof?" Sebas asks Solution while the carriage slowly wobbles through the uneven capital streets.
"Yes, we have lord Sebas. He is neck-deep in a criminal organization called the Eight Fingers. Tries to keep the reputation of an honest merchant and prefers indirect methods of extortion. Ambush on us directly is unlikely."
"Thank you Solution, anything else?"
"Shadow demons relayed Lord Ulbert's order to befriend this merchant, as he is a suitable candidate to be made a pawn for supreme ones."
"Noted, let's see what we can do."
Zoran's mansion was a sight to behold. A three-story building with golden decorations surrounded by an immense garden. Many guards, clad in shiny steel armor resembling that of the royal guards, were stationed not only at the gate but deeper inside the property as well.
A butler was already waiting for them at the gate. Solution and Sebas get out of a carriage, with Sebas holding a small suitcase. Butler raises an eyebrow at the strange-looking case and offers to carry it. Sebas politely declines, stating that until a sale is made, he will not part with it.
The walk to the dining room is rather lengthy, as it is another obvious attempt to impress. Expensive paintings and statues decorated the long hall.
Finally, the man of the house came into view. About fifty to fifty-five years old, short white hair and neatly trimmed white mustache. He had a slim build and sharp eyes. Giving a quick glance to both Sebas and Solution, he stands up from his chair and greets them.
"Mr. Secundo and his lovely daughter Salsa, welcome to my home." He gives a salesman's smile and motions for them to join the dining table. Solution expected him like most men to stare at her chest a bit, but to her surprise, he maintained eye contact with both of his guests. Clearly, a man who has self-control.
Sebas bows and Solution curtsies as both reply in unison, "Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Romenof."
Sebas puts down his suitcase next to his chair as servants serve appetizers. They discuss nothing business-related during the dinner. Zoran clearly uses dinner to get to know his potential business partners, observing their manners and with carefully worded questions, tries to get more information.
Finally, after the dessert, he leads Sebas to his office as his son Vasil offers Solution a walk through the garden. It is obvious to everyone that the young man is smitten with her right away.
Once in Zoran's office, Sebas opens his suitcase and presents his enchanted wares. There are a few rings and necklaces, a dagger, and a thin silk robe neatly folded. Zoraf's assistant, a young man, casts appraisal magic on one ring, and his eyes bulge.
"Sir, this ring alone is worth from 500 to 800 gold!"
"That much! I hope you don't mind me asking Mr. Secundo, but where did you get such an item, I'm not aware of anyone capable of creating items of such quality."
"My benefactors not only pose sizable amount of such items but also can create them."
"Interesting, I assume they don't want to reveal their identities?"
"That is correct, my apologies."
"That's perfectly understandable Mr. Secundo, anyone capable of making something of this value could easy to become a target of more unsavory types."
Zoran's assistant then proceeded to appraise the next items and after each item, he makes similar remarks. Total value rounds up to 4200 gold or 420 platinum coins. Protection-oriented enchants alone would make even the most paranoid noble feel safer. Zoran just couldn't let pass chance for an enormous profit.
"Normally I would pay about seventy to eighty percent of market price but considering rarity and quality of such items, I want to offer ninety percent or 378 platinum coins for this. But with one additional condition, I want exclusive first picking rights on your goods."
"That is acceptable."
"Pleasure to do business with you, Mr. Secundo."
"Likewise, Mr. Romenof."
After a sharing glass of brandy with his business partner, Sebas retrieves Solution, who had wrapped the poor son of a merchant around her finger, Vasil could only wave goodbyes to her with a silly smile.
Once Sebas has left, Zoran and his assistant went back into Zoran's office. Zoran sits down, rolls a cigar, and asks his assistant,
"So, boy, what do you think of all this?"
"With a properly set up auction, you could sell them for at least double the price, sir."
"Not about the items, them the old man and the girl?"
"Strange for a man just show up with a national treasure level gear and sell it all without a second thought."
"Just strange, think boy, his appearance is not a mere coincidence."
"Sorry I don't follow sir."
"You know you have to be more perceptive if you want to take my place once I retire. About two weeks ago mysterious newcomers of immense power save the head warrior. Then one of them calling himself Lord shows up in a royal place and scares most nobles half to death. And now some merchant who is clearly at least adamantite level in terms of power shows up unguarded with items half kingdom would kill him for just to get at least one such item."
"He works for them?"
"I'm sure of it, now our job is to get between them and the rest of the world to maximize profit. Boy, contact Hilma and explain the situation, offer her five percent of our profits if she is willing to keep it just between us."
"Right away, sir."
While Zoran's assistant hurried away, his son came into office. Zoran already knew what this was about. The blonde beauty had his young and still naive son, like a puppy on a leash.
"Father, I would like to court miss Secundo with your permission."
"Son, that girl is more dangerous than you think. You would be better off with a second or third daughter of a minor noble." Says Zoran, while shaking his head.
"Dangerous, how could she be dangerous?" Vasil asks.
"You know in what kind of business I'm in, you either learn to read people or end up dead." Zoran answers.
"Shame, that girl was something else." Vasil finally says with a long sigh.
With a pat on the shoulder, Zoran hands his son a glass and says,
"You know, son, we can both agree to that, but when the deal looks too good to be true, it usually is."
The same day, at the very late evening, another carriage arrives at Romenof's estate. Couchman, a very tall and muscular man, jumps down from his seat and opens the door for a woman.
Waist long blonde hair, curvaceous body with a slim waist barely hold in a white dress. She takes a puff from a pipe as the butler greets her.
"Miss Cygnaeus, the master is already awaiting you."
She answers with a flirtatious smile.
"Let's not make him wait for much longer."
She walks beside the butler, swinging her hips. It is always fun to leave a row of drooling guards behind her. Zoran stands in his office as she enters. Both hug and kiss each other on the cheek. Zoran speaks first.
"Hilma, it is always a pleasure."
"Likewise Zoran, still in good health, I hope?"
"Oh, I can't complain, but let's not drag it out and go straight to the business."
"Of course, I'm in your little scheme but I want a larger portion, fifteen percent to be precise."
"You are a greedy one Hilma, fifteen is way too much I could rise to seven as we are good friends."
"If the entire organization gets involved, you will barely get half, so you got to give me more. How about ten percent and I help you out not only with auctions but with the old man as well?" Hilma says with a smile while taking another puff from the pipe.
"You got a deal, what do you have in mind?" Zoran says while sitting back in his chair and smirking. Both knew that the actual offer was ten percent from the start, but haggling was a part of any deal, and this time was no exception.
"I will buy some girls from Cocco Doll and offer one of my mansions to rent out to the old man. If he stays in our property, independent parties will not approach him lightly and girls can keep tabs on his activities."
"Devious as usual, my dear. I like your plan but the whores will report to me, got it."
"I have no problems with that. Now then, how about a little celebration of a deal made, for old time's sake?" Hila says standing up and with graceful movement walks around the table, lifts her dress, and sits on the table right in front of Zoran while spreading her legs.
He was one who helped Hilma rise to her position, and sometimes she wondered what could have been if she wasn't a prostitute and he wasn't a smuggler. But such dreams were for naive young girls and she hasn't been naive for a very long time. The business was business, no matter how pleasurable. She closes her eyes and enjoys the moment as Zoran takes her.
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Finally, the day to retaliate against the Slane Theocracy came. Just three days after Clementine's confession, Ulbert had drawn a devious plan. All five lords and Rubedo stood on the outskirts of Katze plains, a haunted place brimming with negative energies. Some skeletons were aimlessly walking around in distance. Ainz set a mental note to investigate Katze plains further and see if it can be used for harvesting undead.
All of them buffed Rubedo first. With Shalltear's fiasco, Ainz didn't want to leave anything to chance this time. Even if Slane theocracy was hiding hordes of high-level players, no matter how unlikely it sounded, fully buffed Rubedo was beyond world boss level. She will serve as a distraction while Ainz and the rest of the Lords storm the Theocracies' most sacred vault.
"Rubedo, remember this isn't a suicide mission, if you receive damage notify Aureole to pull you out of there right away," Ainz says as the last instruction.
"Understood Lord Ainz, I will not fail you."
"I know you won't."
Rubedo took to flight and broke the sound barrier with a boom before disappearing from the view. Ainz then addresses the rest of the team.
"Now everyone buff up, double-check consumables, and remember to stick to the plan. Peros, Bukuma, you will engage this Zesshi first. If she is stronger than any of you, we will execute her. If not, don't kill her right away."
Clementine had provided a very detailed description of everything she knew of Theocracy's inner workings that even members of Sunlight Scripture didn't know. And one thing stood out. Zesshi was the only half-elf or elf, in general, that wasn't a slave in that entire country. Armed with that knowledge, Ulbert and Ainz together decided to keep her alive for now, if she isn't too much of a threat, and turn her against the very country that keeps her as a secret weapon.
With all preparations done, they now had to wait for Rubedo's show to start.
Morning in Kami Miyako, capital of Slane Theocracy, was cloudy. People went about their business, glancing up from time to time, checking if rain is about to start.
Then clouds rapidly dispersed, showering the city with warm sunlight, and an angel descended from the heavens hovering over the city. Seeing it as a sign from their gods, many dropped to their knees and prayed. Then the angel spoke with a booming voice heard all over the city.
"Heretics! Followers of false gods! Heaven's wrath is upon you!"
Angel's voice was neutral, almost gentle, but words confused people. An uncertain face gazed at the angel as she descended to the ground in front of a cathedral of light. She stretched out her metallic arm towards it with an open palm and then clenched it into a fist. That same moment cathedral imploded, leaving behind a pile of rubble.
One of the central symbols of their religion, a building that had stood for over five hundred years, gone with a blink of an eye. It was more than enough to start a mass panic. People fled screaming as local guards tried to form some line of defense against the angel that now walked towards the next cathedral.
A line of guards with shields and spears blocked her path, hoping to slow the angel down until the army and priests can arrive. Then a halo of cherry-sized metal balls appeared over the angel's head.
"Out of the way or heaven's wrath will be upon you." She speaks in a soft voice.
As afraid as guards were, they didn't move out of the way. No one understood why an angel, of all beings, would attack the most devoted people.
Metallic balls rotating over the angel's head shoot out like bullets, shattering shields and armor. With a sickly crunch, tiny balls crush the bodies of guards, leaving behind only mangled corpses. Metal balls reform halo over the angel's head as few drops of blood trickled down, tainting her beautiful face.
Angel continues to walk towards the next cathedral, stepping over the bloody scene. Seeing the massacre left behind by the angel city guards didn't dare to get in her way and just evacuate citizens around the angel's path.
She was halfway to the next cathedral when a priest stands his ground in front of her. With a raised hand priest shouts.
"In the name of Alah Alaf I order you to stop this madness."
With a full belief that upon hearing the name of a God of Life, the angel would stop, the priest stood as the angel came closer. She comes up to him, grabs his face, and crushes the skull in her hand. The body drops to the ground and the angel just continues walking.
Crowds get more and more frantic trying to escape and start trampling each other. An elf, clearly a slave, lies in her path with a broken leg. Seeing her approach, he whimpers.
"P-Please… please don't kill me."
"She stops in front of the elf and asks."
"Do you believe in false gods?"
The elf shakes his head while the angel looks at him, her bright green eyes seemingly judging his very soul. After a moment she crouches down, heals the elf's leg, and continues walking.
That was the last interruption before she reached the next cathedral. This one is dedicated to God of Wind, it suffers the same fate and is imploded by the angel. Then she takes to the sky and speaks to the entire city again.
"Turn away from false gods and the true gods may grant you forgiveness," with those words she departs.
Zesshi stands at the vault door as usual. Nothing ever happens. Playing with the Rubik's Cube is her only pastime during the long hours she guarded the vault. Even after fifty years of playing with this thing, she can only manage to solve only two sides of the cube. Then about five meters away from her a black void appears. Five figures step out of it. An Elven woman with raised shield comes first, then an avian followed by a bafolk. Finally, a skeleton and an eldritch abomination come.
Zesshi grabs her war scythe with a grin and charges in their direction. Finally some action, those poor fools chose the worst place to show up. She wants to crush their hopes first and swings her scythe at the Elven woman, who seems to be a defender of the group.
The weapon connects with a shield, letting out a loud clang, but the elf still stands. Zesshi twists her face in a grin, 'Finally a real challenge,' and goes for another swing but then avian closes distance with speed she didn't think possible. Zesshi leaps back on instinct but his swing connects, tearing her woven metallic sweater and leaving a light gash on her stomach.
A pain kicks in, making Zesshi go for defensive, she tries to block the next attack from avian with her scythe. The sword of avian connects with the handle of her scythe. Her hands go numb and swing from avian throws her backward.
"Can you two handle her?" a deep voice asks.
"Yeah, she is about level seventy-five to eighty at best," responds the avian, and goes for another attack. Not being able to match his unreal speed, Zesshi tries to block again, but the handle of her scythe snaps with the next blow. She leaps backward and grits her teeth. She is outmatched in terms of speed and strength and now has lost her weapon.
Seeing no other option, she speaks.
"You are strong. I admit my defeat and you can take me as your mate. I will bear your children."
Avian lets out a dry laugh and responds,
"Like I would fuck a Theocracy's trash, get over yourself bitch."
An unexpected answer enrages her, and she tries to punch avian in the face while screaming in rage. He doges almost casually and slams the side of her head with the flat side of his sword. It sends her flying sideways, and she hits the wall.
Slam to the head makes her dizzy, but she stands up and assumes a defensive stance.
"Brother, would you mind if I take this one alone, a girl against girl so to speak?" Elf woman asks avian who responds with,
"No problem sister, show this little bitch her place."
Zesshi takes a defensive stance as Elven woman casually approaches her while taking off her plate gauntlets.
'Those bastards are toying with me. I'm not even a threat to them.' She thinks while her panic and fear rise.
Zesshi blocks attack aimed at her face but is too slow to react on follow up and get hit in a gut with enough force to send her flying again. She hits the wall and drops on all fours, vomiting blood. She has never felt such pain. A direct hit with a war hammer from a Black Scripture member would hurt less.
"Just stay down and we might spare you, little girl." says the Elven woman with a mocking laugh.
Zesshi slowly stands up. Her vision is getting blurry not only from blood loss but from tears forming in her eyes.
'I can't lose, I must be strong, I can't lay down.' She makes a desperate charge at the Elven woman, throwing punches wildly and almost clumsily. All her attacks are blocked and dogged with ease. Finally, after leaving a particularly wide opening, Zesshi gets punched in the face. She hits the ground with a shattered nose and few broken teeth.
Not being able to withstand it anymore, Zesshi curls up and sobs. In mere minutes, her worldview and her hopes are crushed. 'Theocracy's trash,' that is how first beings stronger than her view her. An elf gave her the beating of her life with no real effort. How could she hope to kill her bastard father if she lost to another elf so hard? How could she hope to find a stronger mate than her if they hate her?
Everything hurts so much. She was nothing to them; she is nothing. Then someone stands over her. She turns to look up and opens her swollen eyes, only to see the undead with dark flames burning in his eye sockets looking at her.
Undead crouches down to her face and with one finger moves her hair, revealing the pointy ear, and says in a kind, almost fatherly tone,
"You try to be one of them when you can be so much more," then tone grows darker and more menacing, "Next time, don't stand in our way." With that, all five figures go into the dark void that was open all this time, and the void closes behind them.
Zesshi closes her eyes and remains in a fetal position while sobbing. Soon there are screams around her and she feels the soothing warmth of healing. She opens her eyes again to see one of the priests with a worried expression.
"Lady Zesshi what happened, did angel came here as well?"
"No, they were something… monstrous."
Someone shouts in the background,
"Cardinal, the vault is empty!"
Cardinal of Earth, Raymond just stands there pale-faced, but moments later snaps out of it and comes to Zesshi and asks,
"What happened, who did this, SPEAK?"
Zesshi grits her teeth. She wants to just bash in his head but remains calm and says,
"There were five of them, undead, avian, bafolk, elf, and eldritch monster. Elf and avian defeated me without effort."
"By the six, did they say anything?"
Zesshi didn't want to repeat the insults that they hurled at her and only say,
"Avian called elf his sister and said something about me being only around level seventy-five to eighty, whatever that means."
"Dammit, first the angel and now this. Zesshi, go rest. As of now, I relieve you of your duties. There isn't anything to guard anymore at the moment."
Zesshi walks of gritting her teeth. Vault, that is all her handlers care for in this situation. 'I'm just a tool, a weapon that failed, to them.'
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Right after the so-called heaven's wrath remaining five cardinals assemble to determine the future of their country. Cardinal of light, Yvon was killed during the angel's attack. One of the archbishops stood in for the cardinal of light. Every single one of them looked like they had aged a decade during the last day.
With Yvon's death as Cardinal of Earth, Raymond takes the position of unofficial leader and starts the meeting,
"I assume all of you already read the reports and know our situation. In short, we now need to decide the future of our country and the future of humanity. As it is now, we have no methods to resist aggression or retaliation from Lords of Ooal Gown."
"What can we even do, capital is in turmoil due to the angels' attack and people are avoiding holy places?" asks the archbishop.
"We tell people that gods have told us that there is a war of heavens and some angels have rebelled against the gods." Suggests Cardinal of Wind.
"That might work, however, we have a more pressing matter to consider. What to do if they attack again us, retaliation or not?" Asks Cardinal of Water, Ginedine, a shriveled old man.
"I personally think if humanity is to survive we must become isolationists and build defenses while our enemy expands through the world. Our best hope of survival at this moment is not to draw any more ire from the Lords of Ooal Gown," remarks Raymond and suggests voting for his proposal.
With no other choice, the vote is unanimous in favor of an isolationist policy. While Cardinals discuss the details a priest brings another report. The Thousand Leagues Astrologist has fled the city and her whereabouts are unknown.
"What! Another one, we have lost over fifty various scripture members in just one day, dammit." Shouts Raymond while grabbing the bridge of his nose and continues by addressing the priest who brought in the report. "Find her, find her whatever it takes, even if the entire army needs to be mobilized!"
"Y-yes, of course, your excellency."
"Raymond, if that girl wants to disappear army will not find her," says Berenice with a weary expression.
"Without her, we have no means to observe what happens to the world we must find her at all costs."
Meanwhile, Captain of Black Scripture walks towards the quarters of Zesshi. He had heard reports of what happened. Remembering the encounter with the vampire, he shudders at the thought to stand against five beings with that kind of power. Yet Zesshi did and survived to tell the tale. He has no illusions that they left her alive just to show that even the most powerful member of theocracy is no threat to them.
At the end of his destination, he is met with a gruesome sight. One of Zesshi's servants is laying outside her quarters with skull bashed in amongst splintered remains of the doors. Zesshi is sitting on the couch while hugging her legs. Locks of her hair are everywhere and it looks like she just cut off parts of her own hair so that her pointy ears are in a clear view.
"Zesshi, what happened?"
"Nothing happened, what do you want?"
"I just came to check on you."
"I'm fine, you can leave."
Captain sighs and sits down opposite to Zesshi and says,
"Zesshi, I can see you are not all right, the entire country is not all right at this moment."
"Did you know about them?"
Captain just sits silently, not wanting to answer the question.
"DID YOU FUCKING KNEW ABOUT THEM?"
"Yes…"
Her face twists with rage as she grabs Captain by the neck and slams him into the floor.
"YOU BASTARD, YOU COULD HAVE WARNED ME!"
Captain struggling against her grip, rasps,
"If had told you, you would just run after them and get killed."
She looks surprised and then releases him from her grip and returns sitting on the couch while hugging her legs. The captain stands up with a groan of pain and sits down opposite to her again.
"Zesshi, we need you, your country needs you."
"To go die, to get rid of Elven trash your precious cardinals can't get rid of?"
"That's not true, you are a valuable member of our society, your heritage is not your fault."
"Not my fault, I am a half-elf, you think I don't know how the rest of those like me are treated?"
"Zesshi I…",
"No, I'm not your tool or weapon or whatever the fuck, you and cardinals think I am, you and this entire country can go fuck themselves."
Seeing no point to argue, Captain gets up and leaves Zesshi alone. Never before she had called herself a half-elf.
Zesshi remains in her position, hugging her legs and tearing up. 'Theocracies' trash' rang in her mind again and again. She had no pace and even so-called her people saw her as nothing more than a weapon. The irony of the fact that kindest words she had ever heard, 'You can be so much more,' came from the enemy, stung harder than anything else.
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Emperor Jircniv Run Farlord El Nix sat in his office while sorting numerous documents and reports. A young man with blonde hair and handsome face, so-called 'Bloody Emperor' of Baharuth Empire. Ten years ago, at the age of only twelve, he took the throne and purged all the opposing nobles, earning his ruthless reputation.
With competent help so hard to find, his workload seems to increase from day to day. His concubine for tonight had come out of the bedroom two times already, asking when he will come to bed. Then came the knock on the door. With an invitation comes in Jicniv's secretary Loune, followed by the spymaster.
"Didn't expect both of you so late, did something happen?"
Loune answers him,
"My Emperor, we have bad news," and hands the letter from Slane Theocracy.
Jircniv takes the letter and skims through it.
"Hmm, Slane Theocracy pulling out all their agents and priests from empire and going for a full isolationist policy. That is very unexpected." And then addresses spymaster, "do we have intel on what happened?"
"Field agents report an angel attacked that Kami Miyako while declaring them heretics following the false gods."
"Disturbing news indeed. Is there a possible connection with the so-called Lords of Ooal Gown? Their appearance and now this seems more than a coincidence."
"We have no clear information, my Emperor, only rumors that one of the most guarded targets in entire Theocracy was attacked as well during the angel's rampage."
"How interesting. Do we know the reactions of other nations?"
"Not yet, Theocracy is suppressing the spread of knowledge about the event."
"Thank you for the information, you both are dismissed."
Both secretary and spymaster leave as Jircniv leans back in his chair, contemplating the events.
'To attack the strongest human nation with the most devious of attacks trying to undermine their core beliefs. They are very dangerous opponents indeed. I will need to consult the old man on how to approach or even find them.'
Now only to decide the route to take, befriend them or plan how to crush the unknown forces. With Theocracy retreating, fighting might not even be an option.
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Queen Calca, the ruler of the Roble Holy kingdom, is presented with an urgent letter from Slane Theocracy. Although not sharing a border, both countries are on friendly terms because of their similar religious views. Unlike the Theocracy, denizens of the Holy Kingdom worshiped only four elemental gods as sects of God of Light and God of Darkness were almost nonexistent there.
Letter's contents came to her as a shock. Slane Theocracy is ending the joint fight against beast-men in Abelion plains separating both nations and committing to a full isolationist policy. There were some rumors spreading that angel had attacked Theocracy's capital, but it seemed too outrageous to be true.
She dismisses the court and leaves only her two closest confidants, the Custodio sisters, with her in the throne room. Remedious, the oldest sister is the grandmaster of Paladin Order while the youngest, Kelart, is the high priest of Roble Holy kingdom.
Queen sits down on her throne with a worried expression and addresses both sisters.
"What do you think of this?"
Kelart is the first to respond.
"I think there may be some truth that angel attacked Theocracy, what else could make them act like this."
"Sister, what are you saying, you think Slane Theocracy has fallen so low that gods themselves punished them?"
"I'm not saying that, Remedios, just that someone had control over a powerful angel and sent it on a rampage."
"But only gods and true believers can control angels, this doesn't make any sense."
Kelart just let out a sigh. Arguing with her blockhead sister was useless. Queen after listening to the brief exchange says,
"Remedios, prepare detachments of paladins to patrol the wall at all times, with Theocracy not pressuring demi-humans, attacks from them are bound to increase."
"Of course, my queen, I will start preparations right away."
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Draudillon, Queen of Dragon kingdom, turned white when she heard the news. Although she looked like a girl barely in her teens, her actual age and form were that of an adult. As a half-dragon, she can change forms and the current one was to appease the leader of the only adamantite ranked team in the entire country, who openly showed his tendency to go for very young girls.
Prime minister and nobles were in the same alarmed state: with no support from Slane Theocracy beast-men will tear their country apart, eventually.
"Any ideas what we do now," the queen addresses the nobles. Hearing no reply, she just screams,
"Everyone, get out of here!"
Moments later only she and Prime Minister remain in the throne room.
"Bring me a bottle of wine."
"My queen is this wise at…"
"BRING ME A BOTTLE OF WINE."
Prime Minister hurries away and returns with bottle ten minutes later. Draudillon snatches the bottle, takes out the cork and takes a big gulp straight from the bottle, and speaks again.
"What are our options?"
"We could request help from Baharuth Empire."
"That young emperor will not help us unless we can give something in return and our treasury is almost empty."
"My queen, unless your great grandfather shows up and helps, we have no other options."
"Then we are doomed," Draudillon remarks and takes another big gulp of wine.
‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›
The second prince of Re-Estize, Zanac, walks towards the Renner's quarters. News of Theocracy going isolationist was bad enough but on top of that his elder brother Barbo is more actively pushing for his coronation. Zanac was assured that when his brother takes the throne, his days are numbered and his only potential ally is his sister.
Princess was wearing her usual warm smile as she greeted them.
"Brother, what a pleasant surprise."
"Sister, we are not here to exchange pleasantries. Do you already know the news?"
"What news, dear brother?"
"Theocracy is removing all their priests from the country and our dear brother is pushing harder and harder for the throne."
"Yes, what about it?"
"You know that moment he takes the throne he marries you off to one of his friends and you don't want that do you."
"Why are you telling me this, to gloat?"
Zanac let out a frustrated groan. She was playing as usual. For years he was vaguely aware of her true nature and intellect, but to get her on his side always proved impossible.
"Renner, if you help me get the throne I will marry yourself to that boy the day I sit on the throne."
"What makes you think I can help you?"
"You already have a plan I'm sure of it."
"Fine, I will throw you a bone. Seek Lords of Ooal Gown and offer something they are interested in."
"After what our brother did, you think they will help me or us? Besides, I have no way of finding them."
Renner smiles, but this time it is her genuine smile. Zanac recoils with a shudder of how much he hates seeing it. Princess, paying no mind to it, stands up and walks up to the cupboard, taking out a small scroll.
"A message scroll. You can contact them with this. Do not screw this up!"
"How did… never mind, I don't even want to know. Thank you, sister, I will not forget this."
Renner's expression changes to her golden princess persona as she cocks her head to one side and says,
"Everything for the family."
Zanac, after getting what he wanted, leaves Renner's quarters. Renner says with a whisper once he leaves.
"Report to our masters that next step is prepared."
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After all she has witnessed, Relzanu was assured that she and others in Slane Theocracy had enticed the wrath of gods and the only salvation is to find them and beg for forgiveness.
First, she needs to get out of the country. Of course, cardinals found out about her desertion right away. At least she was out of capital now and no matter who they sent Relzanu could hide and avoid trackers on her journey.
With food for about a week in her backpack, she knew that was the amount of time to reach Re-Estize. There she would buy additional supplies and make her way to Carne village in hopes to get at least some clues on how to find gods.
With her skills, avoiding patrols was a simple task, and she reached RE-Estize without a hitch. Travel to Carne was also relatively easy. Not even two weeks after she deserted, Carne was within a view.
What she found strange was golems building a wall around such a small village. Yet it somehow made sense. Her instincts told her she will find the answers there. With a slow stride, she walked towards the newly constructed gate, trying to look as unassuming as possible.
Once she was at the gate, a blonde girl peaked out of the watchtower and asked.
"What is your business here?"
Relzanu tried to remain calm and just answered in a gentle voice.
"I wish to buy some supplies and ask a few questions if that's not a problem."
"We have nothing to spare, you should leave."
Feeling denied at what she already considered her destination, Relzanu spills the beans and says,
"I seek Lords of Ooal Gown. Can you at least tell me where to find them?"
"Wait there!"
Relzanu stood waiting for about ten minutes and she suddenly feels blade against her throat and an unfamiliar voice asks,
"Why do you seek them?"
"Do you know them? Please, I need to talk to them."
"Who are you?"
"My name is Relzanu I am… I was a member of Black Scripture."
"Another one, very well I will report this to my masters."
The blade is removed from her throat, and Relzanu finally can turn around to see the one who so effortlessly snaked up on her. Tanned beauty with red braided hair dressed in a rather daring maid's outfit. Before she can wonder who the person is, a black void opens and the maid motions her to go through.
Relzanu slowly steps through only to end up in a magnificent throne room.
She sees two figures awaiting her. A demoness of simply unreal beauty stands close to five thrones and next to her is a demon in an orange suit.
Relzanu tries politely introduce herself,
"Hello, I am…"
"On your knees!" Demon barks the order and Relzanu forcibly kneels. Demoness then speaks in a voice filled with disgust.
"You will speak only when spoken to, worm."
Relzanu nods and tries to not even look at them.
Then someone comes into the throne room. A blonde figure clad in revealing armor approaches.
'Clementine?' Relzanu thinks as she comes closer and, with a very polite bow, addresses three monsters, not paying any attention to her.
"Lady Albedo, Lord Demiurge, you called?"
What was going on, Clementine was never so polite even to cardinals. Relzanu feels dread. If they broke in a disrespectful bitch like Clementine, what will they do with her? Demon is one to respond,
"Yes, do you recognize this woman?"
Only now Clementine turns to acknowledge her, and after a short stare says,
"That is one of my former colleagues, 7th seat of black scripture, The Thousand Leagues Astrologer."
"Supreme ones wanted to question her personally so you may stay for a while in case they require your input." The Demoness says. After a short wait doors of the throne room open again and five figures come in. Everyone in the throne room kneels immediately while they walk up to throes and take their seats. The central figure, an undead with dark flames in his eye sockets, speaks first.
"Demiurge release our guest so she can come closer."
Relzanu feels she can move again and walks up to the throne. Undead speaks again.
"Explain why you were searching for us."
"I, wish to atone. I know we made a mistake when encountering the vampire."
"Mistake, you brainwashed my daughter!" Avian growls.
Relzanu shakes in panic. 'That was a daughter of a god, not a mere servant.'
"Calm yourself, Peros. We will find out what happened one way or another. As for you, I will put you under mind control. If you resist or your answers are unsatisfactory, you will suffer a fate far worse than death." Undead speaks again and puts Relzanu under the spell.
She retells everything that happened during the Black Scriptures encounter with Shalltear. Confess what her abilities are and why she came.
"I think since she was involved in Shalltear's brainwashing a suitable punishment would be to give her to Shalltear." Says Ainz.
The next thing Relzanu knows, she is standing in front of the same vampire. Shalltear received an explanation of who Relzanu was and what had happened to her during the brainwashing.
"So supreme ones gave you to me as a pet. Let's see what use I can find for you."
The sadistic smile on her new mistress's face didn't promise a bright future.
Side story - Punished.
Albedo sat in her office, going through the daily reports. Many denizens came and handled in reports to her, so regular knocks on the door were something she expected. Currently, the vampire bride stood in front of her and gave Shalltear's report.
"You again, why isn't Shalltear coming herself?"
"I do not know, lady Albedo, mistress is avoiding even us lately."
With the words "You are dismissed," she sends the vampire bride away. It was fun to gloat about her victory to Shalltear whenever she came but with her absence Albedo worries.
'How did Lord Peros punished her for the blunder she caused?' Despite the rivalry between them, Albedo still considered Shalltear her friend and wanted to find out what has actually happened. Asking supreme beings was out of the question. She, as a servant, could not pester them about such unimportant matters. Even her beloved Ainz was busy lately and they didn't share a bed each night so to bother him on their rare times together was also not an option.
She could ask few floor guardians if anyone knew what was going on.
{ Demiurge, have you seen or heard from Shalltear lately? }
{ No, can't say I have. Does she not respond to you? }
{ I haven't tried to message her yet, but she isn't delivering her reports by herself anymore. }
{ Then might I suggest contacting her directly. }
{ I'll do just that, thank you Demiurge. }
{ Always a pleasure to help. }
Albedo then proceeds to message Shalltear directly.
{ Shalltear, what are you doing? }
{ Patrolling the second floor at the moment. What do you want? }
{ Why aren't you delivering your reports yourself? }
{ I'm busy. Did those whores give you trouble? }
{ No, Shalltear, how did Lord Peros punish you? }
{ None of your business. }
Albedo swallows her own pride for a time and sends the last message.
{ Take care Shalltear, and you can come and talk with me if something bothers you. }
There is no response. Albedo tried to figure out what kind of punishment would have such dire results, but nothing came to mind.
Two days later, all the floor guardians gathered in the throne room. Albedo stood in front of thrones with the rest of the floor guardians behind her. Shalltear hid behind the column and only poked her head out. Her behavior was weird, but until Lords had spoken, there was no time to confront her.
All the Lords were in an elevated mood. Attack on Slave Theocracy was a perfect success. Ainz talked little, just reported what she already knew. One new world item was gained and their enemy wasn't as strong as they expected.
Once Lords left, guardians stood up and Shalltear tried to sneak away. Demiurge was first to address her.
"Shalltear may I have your attention for a moment?"
She stood with back turned to the rest of the guardians and answered in an irritated tone,
"I'm busy what do you want?"
Albedo grew tired of her attitude and shouted.
"Shalltear turn around and speak to us properly!"
Shalltear slowly turns with arms crossed against her chest with an expression like she just ate a whole lemon. Albedo, using the opportunity, just went on the attack.
"Why are you avoiding us, how did Lord Peros punish you, talk, NOW!"
Shalltear let her arms fall, looked down, and mumbled,
"Father forbid me to pad my chest."
Silence! For a moment, everyone tried to figure out if she was serious. Demiurge asked,
"Shalltear did you seriously avoided us for such a minor thing?"
Somehow word 'minor' was the last thing Shalltear wanted to hear even if the context was different. Her face becomes red, and she shouts.,
"And you have to rub it in, you bastard!"
While confused Demiurge tries to figure out how his word could have been interpreted as an insult, Shalltear stomps off while swearing loudly. Albedo just remarks,
"Childish!" and walks off as well.
Aura sensing that something of serious off runs after Shalltear only to find her on the ninth floor hiding in one of the corners with a very unhappy expression.
"Hey leech, you alright?"
"Came to laugh at me too?"
"If you don't shoot back then there is no fun, besides what's the big deal? So what that Lord Peros forbid you to pad your chest, I'm flat too."
"You at least will grow up." Shalltear silently growls.
"Then maybe you should too."
"I can't I will forever remain like this."
"I'm not talking about your chest, you rot brain. You don't have to remain like you are forever. I heard Lord Peros say to Lord Ainz once, 'Mature Lolis are the best."
"What does that even mean?"
"Not sure but I think he meant looking like you but acting like an adult." Shalltear looks up at Aura surprised and asks.,
"Why are you helping me?"
"Dunno, mom said you should always try to help your family even if you think they are idiots, and you are kinda my cousin."
Shalltear hangs her head low again, lost in thought. Aura decides that she had tried enough and walks off.
"Hey, Aura."
"Yeah?"
"Thank you."
"No problem, just don't leave your rotten snot smeared everywhere while you cry in that corner."
"I don't have to take that from a pipsqueak," Shalltear shouts after her with a small grin.
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