Chapter 84

v11 Bab 4
Bab 4: Pengrajin dan Negosiasi

Gambar

1

Kedua Ksatria Kematian yang dipanggil menghilang dari sisi lain gerbang. Mereka meraung untuk mengantisipasi pembantaian yang menyenangkan, sementara tangisan orang yang sekarat terdengar. Begitu pintu gerbang perlahan-lahan ditutup, ketebalan pintu ganda berarti bahwa suara pembantaian di sisi lain tidak lebih dari menggelitik gendang telinga.

"Segalanya harus baik-baik saja untuk saat ini."

Ada batasan waktu pada Death Knight yang tidak dibuat dengan mayat. Meski begitu, jika perkiraan kekuatan tempur Quagoa dari tawanan mereka akurat, mereka harus mampu mengalahkan sebagian besar penyerang bahkan tanpa mengetahui jumlah lawan mereka. Jika musuh tidak kompeten, mereka pasti akan menarik kembali untuk berkumpul kembali setelah mengambil kerugian yang cukup.

Saya harap mereka belum mundur dulu. Jika mereka membangun kamp, ​​itu berarti bahayanya masih jelas dan ada. Dengan begitu, bangsa Kurcaci harus bekerja dengan kita. Saya harus memesan Death Knight untuk menahan sekarang … itu cukup merepotkan ketika Anda tidak bisa menang dengan margin yang terlalu besar.

Saat Ainz merenungkan detail-detail ini dalam keheningan, dia melirik ke komandan-in-chief, yang sedang menatapnya dengan senyum berkedut di wajahnya. Ainz tidak tahu mengapa senyum itu muncul dari teror di wajahnya – dan pada saat itu bola lampu imajiner bersinar di atas kepala Ainz.

Dia seharusnya sudah terbiasa dengan penampilanku sekarang, jadi itu mungkin karena Quagoa menjerit di luar. Ya, memang benar bahwa ratapan orang yang sekarat bisa agak mengganggu.

Yang mengatakan, Ainz merasa bahwa dia seharusnya tidak keberatan teriakan musuh begitu banyak. Tetap saja, dia tidak akan menjadi manusia – atau Kurcaci, melainkan – jika dia tidak berpikir seperti itu.

Tapi bagaimana bisa seseorang seperti itu menjadi komandan prajurit? Ini agak mengkhawatirkan.

Dia tahu dia terlalu banyak memikirkan hal ini, tapi Ainz terus memandangi komandan utama. Pada saat ini, Gondo mendekatinya.

"Lalu, Yang Mulia. Saya akan kembali ke rumah sebentar. "

"Ahh. Lalu, akankah Anda membantu saya menyelesaikan masalah Anda? ”

"Tentu saja. Saya akan mengaturnya dan mengirimkannya. Tidak apa-apa jika waktu atau apa pun tidak disesuaikan, kan? Aku bisa mengandalkan mantramu jika terjadi sesuatu, kan? ”

Ainz mengepalkan tangan dan menabraknya dengan Gondo. Mereka telah membicarakan banyak hal sebelum datang ke sini, dan tampaknya itu sudah efektif.

Gondo benar-benar banyak bicara …

Dia cenderung memonopoli pembicaraan, dan dia berbicara panjang lebar sehingga sepertinya tidak pernah berakhir. Ini pasti hasil dari terobsesi dengan seni yang hampir hilang dan kemudian dikucilkan. Itulah sebabnya dia terus mengoceh tentang topik itu kepada Ainz – yang memiliki minat pada topik – seperti bendungan pecah.

Ainz bisa mengerti bagaimana perasaannya, karena ada kalanya Ainz juga ingin berbicara dengan orang-orang yang memiliki minat yang sama. Namun, Ainz tidak setuju dengan monolog panjang ini karena kebaikan hatinya.

Gondo dengan ringan mengetuk ransel sihirnya dan mulai berjalan pergi.

Panglima tampaknya memiliki sesuatu untuk dikatakan kepada Gondo yang mundur, tetapi dia tidak memanggilnya.

“Lalu, apa yang harus kita lakukan sekarang? Haruskah kita menunggu beberapa saat sebelum membuka gerbang dan memeriksa hasil pertempuran? "

Panglima harus mengantisipasi pertanyaan Ainz. Dia langsung menjawab, seolah-olah dia sudah menyiapkan jawaban sebelumnya.

“Sangat tidak sopan memiliki kedaulatan suatu bangsa yang menunggu di sini. Saya merasa kita harus melanjutkan ke Dewan Dewan dan menyampaikan saran Anda kepada semua orang. "

"Mengapa tidak melihat akibatnya?"

"Saya pikir perkenalan Yang Mulia lebih penting. Saya mengirim pesan ke Dewan sementara Quagoa menyerang. Mereka mungkin masih meraba-raba cara untuk menghadapi situasi sekarang. Saya merasa bahwa kita harus memberi mereka informasi baru sebelum mereka panik dan memberikan perintah yang buruk. "

"Saya melihat. Dalam hal ini, saya tidak keberatan. Tolong, teruskan. "

"Dimengerti. Namun, binatang ajaib Yang Mulia pasti akan menakuti rakyat jelata. Memalukan bagi saya untuk bertanya, tetapi bisakah Anda meminta mereka berdiri di sini? Kami akan merawat mereka sebaik mungkin jika Anda memberi tahu kami tentang poin-poin penting … "

Ainz memandang ke arah Aura, yang mengangguk.

"Saya melihat. Maka mereka akan menunggu di sini. "

Ainz menunjuk ke sudut garnisun dengan jari kurus, dan komandan itu mengangguk setuju.

“Juga, tidak perlu merawat mereka. Kami akan mengurusnya. Saya akan memiliki tiga pengikut saya menemani saya. "

Ainz memilih Shalltear, Aura dan Zenberu. Dia memerintahkan yang lain untuk menunggu di sini.

Panglima itu tampak agak lega. Tampaknya dia tidak ingin mayat hidup berjalan di jalanan.

"Lalu, akankah kita pergi?"

"Ah, tolong lakukan."

Ainz dan kawan-kawan berjalan dengan bangga melewati kota Kurcaci, dipimpin oleh panglima tertinggi. Tatapan penasaran yang hampir menyakitkan terfokus padanya, sementara para ibu Kurcaci yang melihat Ainz menyembunyikan anak-anak mereka di dalam ruangan. Itu membuatnya agak kecewa.

Tentu saja, dia bisa menjadi kurang jelas jika dia mau.

Jika dia memakai topeng, lebih sedikit orang yang akan menatapnya. Yang mengatakan, ada alasan mengapa dia tidak memilih untuk menutupi wajahnya.

Itu karena dia ingin mengumumkan kedatangannya di kota Kurcaci. Sangat tidak mungkin bahwa akan ada pemain di negara-negara Kurcaci jika harus mencari bantuan eksternal melawan invasi seperti ini. Namun, mungkin ada pemain level rendah di sini, atau barang yang mereka tinggalkan.

Seperti kristal penyegelan-mantra.

Untuk menghindari diserang oleh barang-barang seperti itu, ia harus membuat bukti kunjungannya dengan cara di atas. Dengan cara ini, mereka tidak akan bisa menyelesaikan hal-hal secara sembunyi-sembunyi.

Selain itu, sementara dia belum memutuskan pesta duta besar macam apa yang akan dia kirim, sangat mungkin dia akan berakhir menggunakan makhluk hidup yang mati untuk tujuan itu. Karena itu, dia ingin membiarkan mereka terbiasa.

"Tetap saja, tidak ada yang tampak khawatir, terlepas dari besarnya invasi Quagoa."

Ainz bertanya pada kepala komandan pertanyaan itu setelah melihat dua Kurcaci berwajah merah terhuyung-huyung keluar dari sebuah kedai minuman, memeluk bahu masing-masing.

Aroma alkohol yang tidak salah lagi mengelilingi mereka.

"Itu karena orang-orang tidak tahu Quagoa telah menyerang."

"Dan … mengapa begitu?"

Rasa menjaga diri mereka tampaknya tidak sempurna.

Panglima tampaknya telah membaca pikiran Ainz, dan dia menjawab:

“Quagoa maju terlalu cepat, sehingga informasinya tidak menyebar. Bergantung pada keputusan Dewan, itu harus mulai menyebar dalam satu jam. "

"Hm. Ya, saya memang memerintahkan bawahan saya untuk merebut kembali jembatan, jadi begitu mereka melakukannya, kota akan aman untuk saat ini, bukan? Ini adalah faktor yang cukup penting ketika kita mulai berdagang dengan negara ini. ”

“Itu sulit dikatakan. Mengingat ukuran kekuatan musuh, kami tidak tahu kapan oposisi akan memulai kemajuan mereka dengan sungguh-sungguh. Setelah kami mengambil jembatan kembali, kita harus memperkuat pertahanan kita, menyelidiki rute mengapit mereka, dan merencanakan strategi melawan mereka. "

Ainz tersenyum jahat di dalam hatinya.

Tampaknya akan ada banyak peluang untuk menjual bantuan negara ini di masa depan. Karena itu, mungkin lebih baik untuk tidak mengubah perintah Death Knight untuk merebut kembali jembatan.

"-Apa?!"

Suara Ainz membuat bahu panglima bergetar.

“Aiiiee! Apa, apa itu, Yang Mulia ?! ”

"Tidak, tidak apa-apa. Sesuatu pada akhirnya. Tidak perlu khawatir. Tidak perlu bertanya lebih lanjut, "Ainz menekankan kata-kata itu dengan nada besi untuk menutup pertanyaan orang lain.

Reaksi ini – yang tidak seperti Ainz – adalah karena dia kehilangan ketenangannya.

Tidak ada jawaban dari dua Ksatria Kematian yang dia buat, yang seharusnya berada di sekitar Feoh Gēr.

Hanya ada satu kesimpulan yang bisa diambilnya dari kesimpulan yang mengejutkan ini.

—Ksatria Kematian telah dikalahkan.

Hoh!

Ksatria Kematian cukup lemah untuk Ainz. Namun, berdasarkan standar dunia ini, mereka adalah lawan yang tangguh bahkan untuk anggota negara yang paling kuat. Siapa pun yang bisa mengalahkan dua ksatria yang menakutkan seperti itu pasti sangat kuat.

Selain itu, tanggapan mereka menghilang pada saat yang hampir bersamaan.

Apakah mereka secara bersamaan dihancurkan sebagai bagian dari rencana yang disusun dengan cermat?

Apakah seseorang telah menghabisi mereka dengan mantra efek area?

Apakah seseorang yang kuat hanya melenyapkan mereka dalam satu pukulan?

Apa pun jawabannya, pasti ada yang perkasa hadir, selain dari magic caster bertopeng aneh yang dia temui di Ibukota Kerajaan.

Seseorang yang bisa mengalahkan Death Knight yang berorientasi pada pertahanan sendiri mungkin akan melebihi level 45.

"Apakah itu berarti aku sudah ketahuan?"

Panglima memandang Ainz sebagai jawaban atas gumamannya, tetapi Ainz tidak punya waktu untuk mengkhawatirkannya.

Makhluk kuat yang tidak dikenal, kemungkinan besar adalah pemain. Jika musuh level Ainz datang ke dunia ini, dua Death Knight yang sangat kecil akan menjadi permainan anak-anak untuk dihadapi.

Jika ada entitas yang terkait dengan pemain di sini yang tidak terhubung ke Kurcaci, apakah itu berarti mereka ada di pihak Quagoa? Lalu, apakah mereka berhubungan dengan orang-orang yang mencuci otak Shalltear?

Api membakar di dadanya.

Sampai sekarang bara api menyala menjadi api mengamuk, seolah-olah seseorang telah menuangkan bensin pada mereka. Namun, mereka dengan cepat ditekan.

"Tidak, itu tidak mungkin. Jika mereka berhubungan, kota Kurcaci akan jatuh lama. Ini lebih cenderung bahwa itu adalah individu yang perkasa dari dunia ini. Namun, saya tidak dapat menyimpulkan bahwa tidak ada koneksi. Karena itu, saya perlu mengubah rencana saya. "

Ainz awalnya berharap bahwa perang antara Quagoa dan Kurcaci akan berlanjut.

Dengan musuh yang jelas dari Quagoa di depan mereka, para Kurcaci mungkin memilih untuk berbondong-bondong ke panji-panji Ainz. Namun, meninggalkan Quagoa sendirian – memberi mereka terlalu banyak waktu – akan sangat berbahaya.

Jika mereka adalah ras yang biasanya melahirkan individu yang kuat, maka sementara mereka mungkin hanya membunuh Death Knight sekarang, siapa yang tahu apa lagi yang akan mereka hancurkan di masa depan? Saat ini – selagi dia masih bisa berurusan dengan mereka – hal terbaik adalah memperbudak mereka atau memusnahkan mereka sepenuhnya.

Yang terakhir mungkin merupakan tindakan yang lebih baik.

Idealnya, saya bisa menaklukkan Quagoa dan membiarkan mereka mengancam para Kurcaci dari bayang-bayang, tapi … Satu kesalahan langkah mungkin menyebabkan kesalahan fatal. Akan lebih aman untuk tidak melakukan itu.

"Yang Mulia, Dewan Dewan sudah di depan mata."

Ketika ia berbalik untuk melihat ke arah yang ditunjuk oleh komandan utama, sebuah bangunan besar – tentu saja besar untuk Dwarf, tetapi cukup besar bahkan menurut standar Ainz – mulai terlihat.

Komandan berbicara singkat dengan para penjaga di pintu, dan mereka membiarkan Ainz dan yang lainnya lewat tanpa inspeksi.

Alasan mengapa mereka melepaskan inspeksi untuk Ainz dan perusahaan sambil tetap menatap tanpa malu-malu pada Ainz yang mati itu pasti karena komandan telah menggunakan wewenangnya.

"Lalu, Yang Mulia, saya akan membuat laporan lengkap kepada Dewan. Bolehkah saya menyusahkan Anda untuk menunggu di sini sebentar? ”

Tidak ada alasan untuk keberatan. Lebih tepatnya, mungkin merepotkan jika dia tidak menjelaskan kontribusi Ainz kepada bangsa ini.

"Di mana kita harus menunggu?"

Panglima memandang ke salah satu penjaga Kurcaci, dan pria itu melangkah maju.

“Ya, ruang tunggu seperti itu. Izinkan saya untuk mengantar Anda ke sana. "

"Benar-benar sekarang. Aku akan menyerahkan itu padamu, kalau begitu. "

Dwarf – yang gemetaran dalam tubuh dan suara – membawa mereka ke ruangan yang agak sempit. Kemudian lagi, itu mungkin tidak akan sempit untuk Dwarf. Itu ukuran yang tepat untuk Aura dan Shalltear. Namun, mereka memiliki Zenberu di sana, yang bertubuh besar. Hanya menunggu di kamar terasa sangat sesak baginya.

Mengingat bahwa prajurit telah melihat Zenberu sebelum membawanya ke sini, ini pasti ruang VIP terbesar dan paling mewah di gedung ini. Benar saja, ornamen di sekitar mereka semua dibuat dengan indah dan tampak seolah-olah mereka benar-benar bergerak.

Ainz pernah menjadikan Avatara sebagai teman masa lalunya, dan dia sangat menghargai kesulitan membuat patung yang begitu rumit. Itu mungkin untuk sesuatu yang terlihat cantik di profil tetapi jelek ketika dilihat langsung.

Ainz mengambil patung – kurcaci yang menunggang kadal.

Jelas sekali bahwa Kurcaci memiliki keahlian yang luar biasa. Mm, saya ingin memiliki keterampilan seperti itu … Saya ingin tahu apakah saya dapat membuat ulang Avataras? Jika saya bisa, apakah saya dapat membuat sesuatu yang lebih baik setelah berlatih? – baik.

Ainz memutuskan untuk berbicara dengan Zenberu, yang tampak jelas tidak pada tempatnya di sini.

"Zenberu, lanjutkan dengan kami sedikit lebih lama."

"Ah, Yang Mulia, saya lebih suka tinggal di sini, jika itu menyenangkan Anda. Terus terang, itu membuat saya pusing untuk berbicara dengan orang-orang hebat itu. ”

Pergantian frase yang aneh. Itu berbeda dari bagaimana dia selama perjalanan di sini. Mungkin dia telah mengubah cara dia berbicara karena dia datang ke Kerajaan Kurcaci.

"… Kamu pengawas suatu suku, apakah aku benar?"

“Shalltear-sama, seseorang bisa baik atau buruk dalam berbagai hal. Juga, saya akan merasa buruk jika saya membuat Yang Mulia tidak nyaman. ”

Ainz mengerti arti Zenberu, tapi dia tetap menggelengkan kepalanya.

“Tidak, aku akan mengajakmu. Jika sesuatu terjadi, saya tidak akan bisa melindungi Anda jika Anda terlalu jauh. Saya tidak berpikir sebenarnya akan ada bahaya, tetapi kecerobohan adalah untuk orang bodoh. Sejauh yang kita tahu, kita mungkin berada dalam genggaman musuh. Ingat itu setiap saat. ”

"Iya! Saya telah membakar itu ke dalam hati saya! "

Meskipun Ainz tidak merasa bahwa Kurcaci akan membahayakan seseorang yang telah menyelamatkan negara mereka, dia mengulangi demi keselamatan.

Apa ini? Shalltear merespons dengan cukup baik hari ini. Apa sesuatu terjadi?

"Ah, kalau begitu, Yang Mulia … Apa yang harus saya lakukan?"

"Hm? Jujur saja, dengarkan kami, Zenberu. Apa pun yang terjadi, jangan ambil bagian dalam pertempuran apa pun. ”

Ainz mengangguk ketika Zenberu menunjukkan pengertiannya.

"Baik sekali. Nah sekarang – Aura, Shalltear, bisakah kamu memeriksa pakaianku dan melihat apakah pakaiannya berantakan? "

Prajurit Kurcaci yang dikirim untuk menunjukkan kepada mereka jalan tiba tepat setelah mereka berdua selesai memeriksa pakaian mereka.

***

Ainz dibawa ke sebuah ruangan tempat para Kurcaci menunggu.

Dengan gemerlap dalam persenjataan lengkapnya, Ainz melangkah maju dengan dada terangkat. Punggungnya tegak lurus, kepalanya terangkat tinggi, dan bantalannya adalah milik seorang raja. Sinar obsidian dari aura di belakangnya bersinar lembut, sebagai pengganti cologne. Tentunya tidak ada yang akan memandang rendah dirinya setelah semua persiapan ini.

Dia menyimpan tongkat sihir – yang menggantikan tongkat kerajaan – di pinggangnya. Itu diresapi dengan mantra tingkat pertama, tetapi karena dia tidak punya niat untuk mengaktifkannya, itu seharusnya tidak menimbulkan masalah.

Setelah melihat dirinya dari atas ke bawah, dia merasa bahwa pertarungan ini agak bertentangan dengan tujuan mencari hubungan persahabatan, tetapi Aura dan Shalltear sangat menyetujuinya.

Masalahnya adalah bahwa mereka berdua terlalu memikirkan Ainz, jadi dia merasa tidak nyaman untuk mengandalkan pendapat mereka.

Karena itu, dia meminta pandangan Zenberu tentang masalah ini.

Setelah beberapa kegelisahan – dari ditanya tentang sesuatu yang berada di luar bidang keahliannya – Zenberu akhirnya mengatakan sesuatu di sepanjang baris "Pakaian Anda pasti akan menginspirasi kekaguman pada siapa pun yang melihatnya". Ainz mengambil kata-katanya untuk itu, dan datang ke sini.

Namun, para Kurcaci yang ditemuinya menjadi pucat, postur mereka bergerak dengan gugup. Tentu saja, itu juga merupakan reaksi yang pantas untuk seorang raja.

"Mengumumkan kedatangan Yang Mulia, sang Sorcerer King!"

Dia bisa mendengar penyiar Kurcaci dari sisi lain pintu.

Ketika pintu terbuka, Ainz memasuki ruangan.

Itu tampak seperti ruang rapat, dan ada delapan Kurcaci di sana.

Kebetulan, dia telah mempelajari nama-nama mereka, posisi mereka, penampilan dan fitur mereka dari panglima.

Ada High Priest of Earth, yang mengatur segala sesuatu yang berkaitan dengan sihir. Dia memegang kendali atas kastor sihir ilahi dan bahkan kastor sihir misterius.

Ada Forgemaster, yang mengendalikan semua produksi yang berasal dari menempa.

Ada panglima yang membawa mereka ke sini. Dia bertanggung jawab untuk semua masalah keamanan dan militer. Pernah, dia telah memerintahkan banyak prajurit Kurcaci, tetapi fakta bahwa dia hanya memiliki kurang dari seratus orang sekarang menjadikan gelar itu lelucon.

Ada Direktur Produksi Pangan, yang mengelola produksi pangan dan industri lain yang tidak memedulikan menempa.

Ada Sekretaris Kabinet, yang bertanggung jawab atas segala sesuatu yang berada di luar yurisdiksi para pemimpin lainnya di sini.

Ada Brewmaster, yang berada di Dewan ini karena harus ada posisi kepemimpinan untuk hobi alkohol favorit orang-orang Kurcaci.

Ada Master of Caves and Mines, yang memiliki banyak kekuatan di kota ini karena pengaruhnya terhadap bidang pertambangan dan ekstraksi sumber daya.

Pernah, ada sebuah organisasi bernama Merchant's Guild, tetapi karena kurangnya pedagang dan perdagangan pada umumnya, gelar Merchant's Guildmaster sekarang menjadi posisi kosong yang bertanggung jawab atas urusan luar negeri.

Mereka adalah delapan dari mereka.

Ainz perlahan mengalihkan pandangannya ke semua orang. Tujuh dari mereka menatapnya. Yang terakhir – panglima tertinggi – memiliki tampilan kelelahan di wajahnya sebagai gantinya, dan matanya bertemu dengan Ainz.

Ainz berpura-pura menjadi gambar ketenangan, tetapi hatinya dalam kekacauan.

Oi! Saya bahkan tidak bisa membedakan mereka! Mungkin beberapa dari mereka memiliki janggut yang lebih pendek daripada yang lain, tetapi bukankah mereka semua memiliki panjang yang hampir sama? Apakah dia berbohong kepada saya? Tidak, itu pasti bagaimana dia melihatnya. Apa yang harus saya lakukan?

Ingatan Zenberu menggambarkan mereka semua dengan wajah yang identik, dan pada awalnya Ainz mengira itu hanya karena Lizardman melihat semua Kurcaci sebagai sama. Dia bahkan merasa bahwa kemampuan Zenberu untuk mengenali wajah perlu ditingkatkan. Namun, bukan itu masalahnya.

Maaf saya meragukan Anda, Zenberu. Anda mengatakan yang sebenarnya kepada saya selama ini.

Di dunia ini, tidak ada praktik bertukar kartu nama pada sebuah pertemuan, fakta yang sudah lama ia sesali. Ainz merasakan hal yang sama hari ini, dan kemudian dia mengumpulkan kekuatannya ke dalam perutnya.

Selanjutnya akan muncul presentasi yang sudah ia buat beberapa kali. Yang perlu diperhatikan adalah fakta bahwa ia memiliki dua Wali di belakangnya dan seorang bawahan dari bawahannya. Dia tidak bisa membiarkan mereka melihatnya mempermalukan dirinya sendiri.

… Kalau saja saya tidak membawa mereka bertiga …

Namun, penyesalannya tidak penting. Bagaimanapun, dadu telah dilemparkan.
(Catatan TL: Alea iacta est)

Tetap saja – sementara dia telah mempersiapkan dirinya untuk itu, tidak ada jejak dialog dimulai. Keheningan tetap tak terputus selama satu menit penuh setelah kedatangannya.

Apa yang sedang terjadi? Praktik standar untuk sebuah perusahaan akan dimulai dengan tuan rumah memperkenalkan staf mereka, kan? Bukankah pemimpin komandan harus memperkenalkan kita? … Atau haruskah saya melakukan langkah pertama? Saya tidak terlalu berpengalaman dalam etika sopan santun dan saya tidak ingin tampil kasar.

Menurut etika sopan santun, bawahan tidak bisa berbicara langsung dengan raja. Interaksi langsung memerlukan semacam izin. Dengan kata lain, raja adalah makhluk yang tidak tersentuh. Karena itu, jika Ainz memprakarsai dialog, akankah para Kurcaci memandang rendah dirinya?

Setelah melihat para Kurcaci, apakah jawabannya ya atau tidak?

Yang mengatakan, saya ragu ada orang yang akan meremehkan saya, mengingat situasi negara dan tindakan yang saya ambil. Jika itu benar-benar terjadi, maka saya mungkin juga mengatakan bahwa saya tidak akan bernegosiasi dengan sekelompok badut seperti mereka.

Setelah memutuskan, Ainz memutuskan untuk berusaha.

"Aku adalah penguasa Kerajaan Sorcerous, Sang Penyihir Raja Ainz Ooal Gown."

Para Dwarf bergerak, seolah-olah mereka terhubung kembali ke catu daya.

"Kami, kami ucapkan selamat datang, berdaulat atas Kerajaan Sorcerous, Yang Mulia Ainz Ooal Gown. Bolehkah kami menawarkan Anda tempat duduk? Ada kursi untuk pengikut Anda yang terhormat di sana. "

Ainz mengangguk, dan kemudian dia diantar ke tempat yang disebutnya tempat anak laki-laki yang berulang tahun itu. Dia duduk dengan penuh percaya diri agung, menggunakan gerakan yang telah dia lakukan berulang kali. Shalltear, Aura dan Zenberu duduk di belakang Ainz.

“Lalu, kita akan memperkenalkan diri. Pertama, saya negara ini— "

Jadi, para Kurcaci memberi nama mereka.

Pembukaan itu tampaknya berjalan tanpa hambatan, tetapi Ainz tidak bisa menahan kekhawatirannya.

Hanya mengingat delapan nama mereka sudah sulit. Harus mengasosiasikan masing-masing nama dan gelar itu dengan wajah terbukti cukup menantang.

Nama-nama itu cukup mudah diingat, tetapi menambahkan judul pada itu membuatnya gelisah. Hal-hal seperti apakah itu Master of Caves and Mines atau Master of Mines and Caves hanya membuat segalanya lebih buruk.

Konon, Ainz berhasil mengingat mereka. Dia tidak akan bisa melakukannya jika dia tidak bertanya tentang mereka dengan Panglima Tertinggi sebelumnya.

"Izinkan kami mengucapkan terima kasih atas nama negara ini. Tanpa Yang Mulia, negara ini akan hancur. "

Kata-kata itu diucapkan oleh Master of Caves and Mines. Semua Kurcaci yang hadir mengangguk sebagai jawaban.

Anggota Dewan tampaknya bergantian memimpinnya, jadi pemimpin kali ini adalah Master of Caves and Mines.

"Tidak usah menghiraukannya. Menyelamatkan seseorang yang bermasalah adalah akal sehat. ”

"Yang Mulia benar-benar orang yang murah hati. Kami pasti akan membantu Anda dengan kemampuan terbaik kami jika ada masalah yang menimpa Anda. Yang mengatakan, saya khawatir kita tidak bisa berbuat banyak untuk membantu orang agung Anda, yang memerintahkan pasukan yang menyelamatkan bangsa kita dari kepunahan dengan hanya dua dari jumlah mereka. "

"Tidak seperti itu. Negara saya memang kuat dalam arti militer. Namun, ada beberapa kekurangan ketika datang ke bidang lain. Saya akan sangat berterima kasih jika Anda dapat memberikan bantuan kepada saya dalam aspek-aspek itu. ”

"Saya melihat. Kami akan dengan senang hati melayani untuk Yang Mulia – untuk Kerajaan Sorcerous. Namun, sebelum itu, kami berdoa, Yang Mulia akan memberi tahu kami alasan kunjungan Anda ke negara kami, jika itu nyaman. Panglima perang telah memberi tahu kami, tetapi kami ingin mendengarnya langsung dari Anda. "

Master of Caves and Mines sedikit menyipitkan matanya.

Kami akan melihat melalui kebohongan apa pun. Tekadnya yang teguh terlihat jelas.

Saya tidak bisa mengharapkan mereka semua merasa baik terhadap saya … Yah, mengingat perbedaan kekuatan antara negara-negara kita, siapa pun akan berhati-hati.

Hal yang sama berlaku untuk Ainz. Jika guild berperingkat teratas di YGGDRASIL – Seraphim – menawarkan Item Kelas Dunia dan meminta untuk bernegosiasi, Ainz juga akan mencurigai semacam jebakan.

Karena itu, dia tidak senang dengan reaksi Kurcaci.

“Pertama, saya ingin memulai hubungan persahabatan antara negara-negara kita. Kemudian, saya ingin terlibat dalam perdagangan. "

"-Apakah begitu."

“Saya telah mendengar dari salah satu warga negara Anda bahwa makanan pokok Anda adalah jamur dan daging, apakah saya salah? Saya ingat sesuatu tentang pertanian di kaki gunung yang menghasilkan sayuran segar, tetapi ternyata jumlahnya sedikit dan variasinya sangat buruk. Bangsa saya dapat memasok sayuran segar dan – apakah arwah alkohol dari kerajaan manusia dan Kerajaan Sorcerous menarik minat Anda? "

Topik alkohol membuat mata Kurcaci menyala. Itu adalah reaksi yang sangat jujur.

"Saya juga mendengar bahwa negara ini berdagang dengan negara manusia di timur, tetapi tidak pada tingkat yang besar."

"Memang. Lalu lintas kami hanyalah barang dagangan dua puluh kurcaci. Saat ini, kami sedang mengembangkan item sihir yang dapat menampung persediaan barang tanpa batas. ”

The Merchant's Guildmaster memberikan balasan itu.

"Saya melihat. Benarkah ada beberapa karavan perdagangan Kurcaci karena jalan gunung yang berbahaya? ”

"Memang benar begitu."

Katai lain memberikan jawaban itu.

“Kita tidak bisa membawa terlalu banyak barang karena kecuraman dan bahaya jalur gunung. Selain itu, bergerak dalam kelompok menarik perhatian monster. Ada banyak monster yang akan menyerang terlepas dari jumlah mangsanya. Secara khusus, serangan udara sulit untuk ditangani. ”

Memang benar bahwa metode perdagangan konvensional akan membutuhkan upaya besar. Kekaisaran hanya terlibat dalam perdagangan terbatas dengan Kurcaci karena kurangnya keuntungan dalam melakukannya. Namun, justru alasan itulah yang membuat mereka menjadi mitra dagang yang sangat menguntungkan bagi Kerajaan Sorcerous.

Sayangnya, satu-satunya ekspor penting yang bisa dibanggakan oleh Kerajaan Sorcerous adalah mayat hidup mereka. Namun, bagi bangsa Kurcaci, bahkan makanan biasa pun akan laris manis.

Mitra dagang yang luar biasa.

Ainz tersenyum jahat di dalam hatinya saat dia mengajukan pertanyaannya.

"Jika itu masalahnya, maka aku harus merekomendasikan hubungan nasional lebih jauh denganku – dengan Kerajaan Sorcerous, sehingga kita dapat mengekspor bahan makanan."

“… Kami belum menanyakan lokasi tepatnya dari Kerajaan Sorcerous. Bisakah kita mengangkut barang dagangan kita di sana sendiri? ”

“Memiliki orang-orang di negara Anda memindahkan kargo sendiri masih akan sangat berbahaya. Saya merasa bahwa negara saya harus memimpin dalam membangun rute perdagangan yang tepat sehingga orang-orang bangsa Anda dapat dengan aman mengangkut barang-barang mereka. Ketika itu terjadi, gerbong dan gerbong akan dapat bergerak dengan lancar. Tentu saja, mereka tidak akan ditarik oleh sesuatu yang rapuh seperti kuda, tetapi oleh binatang buas beban lainnya. "

"Mungkinkah itu … mayat hidup?"

Salah satu Kurcaci, wajahnya dipenuhi rasa jijik, mengajukan pertanyaan itu.

Ainz ingat bahwa dia ternyata adalah Forgemaster.

"Tepat. Saya mengusulkan penggunaan gerbong barang yang ditarik dengan undead, yang memiliki kekuatan untuk mempertahankan diri dan tidak akan pernah lelah. Mereka pasti akan membuat alat transportasi yang sangat baik. Sebenarnya, bangsa kita sudah memanfaatkannya, dan respons dari warga sangat bagus. Selain itu, ada keuntungan lain menggunakan undead— ”

Saat Ainz akan memulai presentasi yang antusias, Forgemaster memotongnya.

“—Apakah tidak benar bahwa mayat hidup akan menyerang yang hidup?”

Ainz cemberut secara internal, tetapi dia menjawab dengan sangat percaya diri.

“Memang benar bahwa banyak orang akan berpikir seperti itu tentang makhluk hidup biasa. Dan agar adil, itu benar. The undead adalah makhluk yang membenci dan menyerang yang hidup. Namun!"

Ainz sangat menekankan kata itu.

“Di bawah otoritas absolutku, mayat hidup Kerajaan Sorcerous tidak akan menimbulkan masalah bagimu. Anda bisa tenang mengetahui hal itu. "

Mulut Forgemaster mengerucut menjadi へ. Dia sepertinya tidak mempercayai Ainz sama sekali.

Dia pasti memiliki pengalaman buruk di mana mayat hidup membunuh keluarganya, atau sesuatu. Ketika Ainz merenungkan kemungkinan itu, ia memainkan salah satu kartu asnya.

"Selain itu, bangsa saya dapat memasok tenaga kerja."

"Tenaga kerja?"

"Selama perjalananku, aku berbicara dengan salah satu bangsamu yang aku selamatkan dari Quagoa—"

Ainz tidak sengaja melakukannya, tapi itu bukan kecelakaan total, jadi dia memutuskan untuk mengatakannya sebagai bantuan mereka.

“—Dan aku mendengar pekerjaan yang terjadi di tambang negaramu. Sementara itu bekerja untuk penambang Dwarven, mayat hidup dapat menanganinya untukmu. ”

"Apa? Bisakah mereka benar-benar melakukan itu? ”

Mata Penguasa Gua dan Tambang melebar, setelah mengambil umpan.

"Tentu saja. Saya telah melakukan percobaan ini di negara-negara manusia, dan itu berhasil. Bahkan, pemilik tambang yang menyewa mereka bahkan meminta tambahan penambang mayat hidup. ”

Dia telah mendengar tentang hal ini dari Albedo ketika dia mengiriminya pesan (khawatir), jadi itu bukan dusta.

"Jadi, kamu sudah melakukan hal semacam itu di negara-negara manusia …"

Master of Mines and Caves bergumam seolah kagum.

"Tampaknya negaramu akrab dengan karakteristik khusus mayat hidup …"

"Mm, well, kita tahu tentang sifat mereka yang lebih umum …"

Ainz mengangkat suaranya untuk berbicara dengan Imam Besar Bumi.

“Lalu, aku percaya aku tidak perlu menguraikan bagaimana mayat hidup menghasilkan pekerja yang sangat baik?

Para Kurcaci saling bertukar pandang, dan kemudian mulai berbicara satu demi satu.

"Kata-kata Yang Mulia bisa dimengerti. Jika kita bisa mengendalikan mayat hidup dengan aman … ”

"Mampu merealokasi tenaga kerja yang ditugaskan untuk pertambangan adalah proposal yang sangat menarik."

"Namun…"

"Namun" itu mungkin akan diikuti oleh keraguan tentang apakah mereka benar-benar bisa mempercayai mayat hidup. Itu wajar mereka akan merasa bertentangan tentang metode yang berbeda dari cara mereka melakukan hal-hal sampai sekarang.

Pada akhirnya, ini hanyalah publisitas untuk produk-produk perusahaannya, dan bukan upaya serius untuk menutup penjualan. Tentu saja, jika mereka bisa menerima kerja paksa, itu pasti akan menyenangkannya.

“Yah, aku hanya bermaksud mengatakan bahwa aku bisa menyediakan pekerja seperti itu. Saya mengerti kegelisahan Anda terhadap mayat hidup— "

“—Yang Mulia, aku ingin bertanya tentang mayat hidup sebelum itu. Bisakah kita membelinya sebagai kekuatan pertahanan? "

Pertanyaan panglima perang mengirimkan pesan melalui Kurcaci.

"Panglima Tertinggi, terlalu berisiko untuk mengandalkan kekuatan militer negara-negara lain untuk menjaga perdamaian!"

"Saya tahu itu. Namun, mayat hidup Kerajaan Sorcerous sangat kuat. Dengan mereka, di sekitar, kita tidak perlu takut akan serangan Quagoa. Ada banyak manfaat untuk membelinya sebagai garis pertahanan akhir. Yang paling penting, hal yang harus kita semua pertimbangkan, adalah keselamatan bangsa kita. Sekarang kami telah kehilangan benteng kami, kami membutuhkan kekuatan, lebih dari segalanya. ”

"Meski begitu, bukankah menurutmu lebih berbahaya untuk memiliki tangan negara lain di sekitar tenggorokan kita ?!"

"Sudah kubilang, sekarang bukan waktunya untuk membicarakan hal semacam itu!"

Forgemaster dan komandan tertinggi saling melotot.

"… Kita akan membiarkannya begitu saja. Kata-kata itu akan disimpan ketika itu hanya kita. Ini bukan sesuatu yang harus kita katakan di depan Yang Mulia, yang datang jauh-jauh ke sini dari kerajaannya. Maafkan kesalahan ini, Yang Mulia. Konflik ini disebabkan oleh sifat yang menarik dari proposal Yang Mulia, dan kami akan sangat berterima kasih jika Anda dapat mengizinkannya berlalu tanpa disadari. —Lalu, bolehkah saya tahu apa yang diinginkan Yang Mulia dari negara ini? Saya merasa hampir tidak ada yang bisa kami tawarkan. ”

"Tentu tidak. Pertama, saya menginginkan bijih. Stok negara saya terbatas. "

"—Saya mengerti," Guildmaster Merchant tersenyum. "Jadi itu sebabnya kamu menyarankan mayat hidup mati. Jika kita bisa menggali mineral dalam jumlah besar, maka akan ada banyak surplus. Dengan kata lain, Anda ingin menjaga harga bijih rendah. Itu saja?"

Ainz tidak berpikir sejauh itu, tetapi Ainz mengangguk dan berpura-pura bahwa itulah masalahnya.

“Memang benar begitu. Anda telah melihat saya. "

Tidak heran, para Kurcaci berpikir ketika pemahaman muncul pada mereka.

"Juga, saya ingin senjata dan baju besi yang dibuat oleh menempa bangsa Anda. Saya mendengar bahwa peralatan pertempuran Dwarven memiliki kualitas yang patut dicontoh. ”

Semua orang yang ditanyakan Ainz tentang topik ini setuju bahwa ini adalah fakta yang tidak dapat disangkal.

Namun, senjata dan baju besi olahan lebih mahal. Jika mereka membeli dari Kurcaci, maka akan ada lebih sedikit tukang senjata dan persenjataan di Kerajaan Sorcerous. If there was a clear technological difference between the two countries, it would be better to improve the technology of one’s own nation rather than take the foolish action of buying large quantities of superior arms and armor.

However, if there was no competition, the smiths within the Sorcerous Kingdom would not hone their skills. The weapons and armor purchased from the Dwarves might serve as a positive stimulus for that.

Of course, there were many ways to handle this, such as by collecting tariffs and the like. One had to ensure that he could make a profit off the Dwarves and not constantly import from them, among other headaches.

The simple answer would be to hand all this to Albedo and Demiurge. However, Ainz had his own considerations as well.

His plan was to limit sales to the newly-founded Adventurer’s Guild, or rent them to adventurers.

Low prices were very attractive to adventurers, and keeping them alive would also benefit the Sorcerous Kingdom. If they could sell old goods at low prices, they might be able to increase the survival rates of adventurers at the same time.

“While we have not thanked Your Majesty for sharing all this with us, these are questions which cannot be answered immediately, in particular on the matter of wargear. Could you give us some time to discuss this?”

"Tentu saja. Discuss until you reach a conclusion. I will not be upset even if we cannot begin trade immediately. My own subordinates are already equipped with high-end gear. I merely wish to acquire arms and armor for my people.”

All right, Ainz thought.

This was the crucial moment. It was time to complete his objective for coming to this city.

“Shall we discuss the matter of the Quagoa?”

Tension immediately filled the air.

“The response to the Quagoa invasion was merely a personal decision. Is that correct, commander-in-chief?”

"Memang."

“However, what would have happened if I was not around?”

“If Your Majesty had not been around, we would have had to rely on a single gate to block the enemy advance. Once the gate was breached, we would have needed to mobilize the citizens to engage in a decisive battle within the city in order to buy time for the children to flee. I imagine that would have been the case.”

The Dwarves all had bitter expressions on their faces.

Perhaps it was due to the commander-in-chief’s earlier report, but the utter absence of objections or counter-arguments spoke of the excellence of everyone here.

There was nobody present who was driven by idealism, emotion or personal gain. If there was anyone like that here, particularly if they possessed authority or influence, they would waste time pointlessly before even the basics were completed, chattering away until the meeting was concluded. The fact that there was nobody like that here was worthy of praise.

“Then, please explain to me in more detail. What would this decisive battle entail?”

“It is difficult to answer because we do not know the enemy’s full battle strength. However — assuming there were 1,000 Quagoa — we would be in dire straits. Repelling them would be very difficult, and all we would accomplish would be to weaken our nation due to the loss of resources and manpower.”

Why did it end up this way, the commander-in-chief muttered.

It was probably because the fortress at the Great Rift was too strong. The Dwarves had grown arrogant, believing “it’ll be okay as long as we have it”.

Ainz felt this way as well.

He had tasted the bitter fruit of carelessness in the form of Shalltear.

“If we have only one ace in the hole, when it is defeated, then we are undone. Thus, I feel we need another trump card, in the form of Your Majesty’s power.”

Ainz raised his hand to silence the Dwarves, who seemed about to speak. The commander-in-chief might have seized the reins of the conversation, but Ainz was not done speaking yet.

“The Quagoa have been repulsed for the time being, but Feoh Gēr is not yet at peace. That is my opinion.”

The expressions on the Dwarves’ faces were universally sour.

After making sure that everyone was fully aware of his prior point, Ainz decided to seize the moment and speak.

“Without me, it will be very difficult to repulse the next Quagoa invasion. Even for someone like me, the destruction of a nation which I am about to begin trade with would be quite troublesome. Bagaimana menurut anda? Will you not make use of my strength? Given the power of my nation, I can guarantee that your nation will not be attacked for a time. …Yes. For instance I could help in taking back that Quagoa nest, the former Dwarven capital, I believe.”

The air seemed to shudder.

This was an entirely new reaction.

The Master of Caves and Mines licked his lips.

“Your Majesty, do you mean that such a thing would be possible?”

“If I prepare for it, of course.”

The Forgemaster folded his arms before him and glared at Ainz.

“…That seems far too idealistic. Why are you giving us so much help? What do you want from us?”

“Oi, you’ve said too much.”

The Forgemaster snorted at his colleague’s words.

“It’s like waving a bottle of fine wine in front of a stranger. Do you really think there are no strings attached?”

“Ngg!”

“A reasonable question. Then let me be frank with you. One of the reasons is because I believe it is better to establish diplomatic relations with your country than the Quagoa. I believe that you gentlemen of this fine country understand the concepts of common sense and indebtedness, and that you owe me a certain debt of gratitude. Now — consider a side which is about to win, and a side which is about to lose. Who will be more grateful if I lend them my strength?”

"Mm. That is the case.”

“In addition, I would like this debt to be paid not in words, but in a material fashion. This leads to another reason.”

“I see, so it’s about payment. Then, do you want gold, or rare metals, or exotic ores? Or do you want mining rights as well?”

Tentu saja. Ainz wanted to say that, but he swallowed those words and resisted the urge to speak them.

“No, I want something different. I want to recruit the runesmiths of this country to my nation.”

The Dwarves blinked as one.

"Apa? Is that so hard to understand?”
「为啥？这话又有些难以理解了哦？」

The Forgemaster frowned more deeply than the others.

“…It is because runic arms and armor are very rare in the nations surrounding the Sorcerous Kingdom. I find them to be very valuable articles. In other words, they are very valuable. Therefore, I thought of recruiting runesmiths and having them produce runecrafted wargear in my nation.”

“Will you take them as slaves?”

Ainz sighed with exaggerated loudness at the Forgemaster.

“I will do nothing of the sort. Did you not hear me speak? I said I wanted to open international ties and begin trade, did I not? Do you actually think I would take the people of such a partner nation as slaves? …Frankly speaking, I’m a little disappointed. All I had in mind was recruiting runesmiths and having them make runic equipment in my country.”

“In that case, what if we gave you top priority on the sales of runecrafted gear?”

"…Tidak. It would not be worth the investment. If you wish to use my strength, then you must let the runesmiths work in the Sorcerous Kingdom and allow us to form a monopoly on the sale of their products. That is what my nation wants and it is the price of taking back your former capital. When can you give me an answer?”

The Dwarves looked at each other.

"Saya melihat. Perhaps tomorrow—”

“That might be a little troublesome,” interjected the commander-in-chief. “Don’t forget this city is still in danger of being attacked by the Quagoa. Even if His Majesty accepts the task of defeating the Quagoa, it will take time for him to gather his troops. With that point in mind, we cannot wait until tomorrow. We should give him an answer right away.”

Ainz looked over the Dwarves.

“It is not my place to speak here. However, if you are truly in such dire straits, then having me fulfil my earlier promises will also be quite troublesome. If the situation becomes very bad, then I will have to add several more conditions. After all, one must expect to pay more for last-minute work.”

"Mm. The commander-in-chief is right, and Your Majesty’s words are also very sensible. Then, Your Majesty, while we apologize for the imposition, can you wait for us in the room from just now? We would like to reach a conclusion as quickly as possible.”

“I have no objections to that. I shall wait there, then.”

With that, Ainz rose, and left the room in the company of his subordinates.

***

The room was still veiled in silence even after the departure of the Sorcerer King. Shortly after, somebody exhaled, and that dispersed the tension that hung in the air.

“What, what the hell was that?!”

“That was an unbelievable monster! Commander-in-chief, that monster made my hair stand on end. There’s no doubt about the fear he commands.”

“I almost thought I was going to piss myself!”

The Dwarves all began shouting. They poured out all the things their strained nerves had been holding in check.

"Apa yang harus kita lakukan? He’s evil incarnate. If even a single thing of what he said is true, it would scare the hell out of me.”

“How could anyone radiating such an evil light be benevolent? Look at him, how many of the living do you think he’s murdered up till now?”

"Mmm. He must have taken so many lives he can’t even remember them all. And to think that spine-chilling face could actually utter such normal-sounding words.”

“He must be gathering equipment for some great invasion. For his army of darkness!”

“Also, I hate how he’s so easy to understand and agree with. He feels just like those devils who steal souls with contracts.”

They were unanimous in rejecting the Sorcerer King’s proposal. Many of them agreed that the words of the undead could not be trusted.

“However, His Majesty’s proposal is very attractive to our country. In the first place, our country will be destroyed if we don’t do something about the Quagoa. In addition, the Sorcerer King is the only person who can save us.”

The commander-in-chief was the sole voice of opposition.

His words made the other Dwarves look like they had chewed a bitter worm.

“Let me make sure again. Is there no way we can deal with the Quagoa with our strength alone?”

“There’s no way. With the help of the Sorcerer King we might be able to take the fortress back, but there are far too many things we need to do. Right now, all we can hope for is to take the fortress back. Had His Majesty not come here, the Quagoa might be flooding into the city by now.”

“If the Sorcerer King spoke the truth, then there were sightings of Quagoa in Feoh Raiđō as well.”

The Dwarves clutched their heads.

“…What if we just borrowed the Sorcerer King’s power and then pretended that we knew nothing about it?”

“That would only aggravate that monster. Even I would be unhappy in his position. After all, we’d be the people who only cared about borrowing military power for our own gain and whatnot.”

“Still, the timing for this is just too much of a coincidence. Could the Sorcerer King be pulling the strings behind the scenes?”

“It’s quite likely, but we have no proof. All we can do is guess.”

“The important thing here is that the Sorcerer King chose us and not the Quagoa. If we displease him, we’ll be putting a noose around our own necks. Trying to investigate him would also be very dangerous.”

“…Does the Sorcerer King drink?”

“Do you think he can? …I guess you can’t trust a guy who doesn’t drink, after all.”

“Still…”

Here the hitherto silent Merchant’s Guildmaster spoke up.

“I believe we can all accept what the Sorcerer King is saying. It makes perfect sense. I’d do the same in his position, picking the Dwarves over the Quagoa.”

If he commanded an army which could easily annihilate the Quagoa, then helping the Quagoa kill the Dwarves would not offer him a lot of benefits.

“He said he wanted to lend undead workers to us. Wouldn’t taking the mines for his own be more profitable?”

“Well, there would be no point in taking us as slaves. …Besides, we know the mountain, don’t we?”

"Saya melihat. That’s very likely. He feels that exploring the mines by himself would be very troublesome, so he’ll let us excavate the ores. So he’ll give us a pretty collar to please us, then?”

“…Still, after talking to the Sorcerer King, I get the feeling that everything will be alright as long as we trade with him. In other words, he doesn’t intend to exploit us with uneven trade deals?”
“In that case, I can understand why he’s offering such generous terms. Still, wouldn’t it be alright to agree to his proposal?”

"Mengapa kamu mengatakan itu?"

“Because we can help each other. As long as the Sorcerer King wants ores, he will protect us. We can think of the Sorcerer King as a mercenary with a huge appetite for wine, in that sense.”

The general opinion had shifted from “dealing with him is dangerous” to “we’ll be safe as long as we have value”. However, during the course of this change, one Dwarf spoke coldly.

“…Do you all intend to be the minions of that undead creature?”

All eyes turned to the man who had been staunchly opposed to Ainz since the beginning — the Forgemaster.

“It’s not a question of good or evil. Right now, our country is in a crisis of survival. If we don’t do something about the Quagoa, we’ll be destroyed for sure.”

“…And our strength alone cannot defeat the Quagoa.”

“Then, how about asking the Empire for help? We’ve had dealings with them for many years. Wouldn’t that be safer? We don’t know anything about the Sorcerous Kingdom, you know.”

“Even if we ask the Empire for help, they’d have no chance against the Quagoa. They’re very tough foes for anyone who uses a weapon. The most important thing is that humans can’t see in the dark and they’re not suitable for underground combat. While they might have a chance if we could lure them to the surface, we have no way of doing so.”

“Then it seems dealing with the Sorcerous Kingdom is our only option. In any case, we’ll start by asking for help, and leave the trade deals for after we’ve seen the Sorcerous Kingdom. Bagaimana menurut anda?"
“That might be the safest way of doing it. Still, we’re doing business with them to defeat the Quagoa, right? Then, if we don’t make a deal with them, we’ll need to pay for services rendered, won’t we? …I don’t even want to think about what kind of price one can put on saving a country.”

The Dwarves were all sour-faced.

“I guess the only way to save the country is to accept his proposal. That means we’ll have to rely on the Sorcerer King’s strength for the next few decades.”

Amidst the murmurs of agreement, the Master of Caves and Mines muttered something along the lines of, “Using undead labor means that they can keep going for all those decades,” but nobody paid too much attention to him. That was because there was another pronouncement which seized their ears.

“You seem to have forgotten something important. I oppose this. I will never let our people go and be his slaves!”

“Slaves?”

“The runesmiths!”

“The Sorcerer King already said they would not be slaves, no?”

“Really?! Do you really believe what he says?!”

Thus rebuked, the Dwarf who asked lowered his head.

“Oi, look. We can’t rule that out.”

Even if everything the Sorcerer King stated was fact, anyone who knew the undead hated the living would not be able to believe it.

“Hostages, then?”

"Tidak. There’d be no need for him to specify runesmiths, in that case. He could just as easily have stated demands for our family members instead.”

“Then, can we refuse the matter of the runesmiths but ask if anything else would serve as payment?”

“…Are there any treasures which might change his mind?”

"Tidak. Although, if we take back the capital and if the treasury is intact, we might be able to pay him with its contents.”

“No, he won’t accept that. We’ll need his strength to take back the Royal Capital, right? If we give it to him under that, what will we say when he asks us, ‘Did you take these treasures from the vaults of the city I took back for you?’ Do you think it would be a good deal if you were in his shoes?’”

“…Frankly speaking, I think it would be fine if we just accepted all his terms.”

The Forgemaster glared at the Merchant’s Guildmaster.

“—Slaves!!”

“That’s just your opinion! The Sorcerer King has already said he won’t take them as slaves! All we need to do is send people over to make sure of that, right? And most importantly… While this might seem a bit much… Runecraft is an outdated technology. Considering it might vanish at any moment, I don’t think it’ll be a problem to hand it over. Pretty cheap for what we’re getting, right?”

“But we’ll lose that entire branch of our craft, don’t you think?”

“Still, now’s the best time to sell it, right?”

“I oppose it!!”

Bubbles formed at the edge of the Forgemaster’s mouth as he shouted.

“Is that the result of logic, and not emotions? Doesn’t look that way to me.”

“I have no idea why you all have so much trust in the Sorcerer King!!”

At this point, the commander-in-chief spoke in cold tones. Having faced the Quagoa in battle, he knew the situation of this city better than anyone else. Therefore, he did not wish to waste words in useless conversation and had stood aside as an observer, but he had finally reached his limit.

“Trust aside, this city will assuredly be destroyed if we do not borrow the strength of the Sorcerer King. What you’re doing is casting aside the single lifeline that we have.”

“What did you say, you whippersnapper?!”

“I’m in charge of this city’s military. And I say that the only way we can protect the city is with His Majesty’s power! Do you want to destroy this city? Otherwise, give me a way to beat the Quagoa without using his strength! You old relic!”

"Kamu! You’ve been calling that monster His Majesty ever since you stepped into this room! Have you betrayed this country?!”

The Forgemaster grabbed the commander-in-chief by the lapels.

“What bullshit is that, you addled old fool? You want a fight?! It’s only natural to refer to someone with such power with terms of respect! You’re the ones who can’t be trusted! He could easily annihilate this country, you know! If you say I betrayed this nation, then you lot are jeopardizing the safety of the people!”

The commander-in-chief seized the Forgemaster by the collar as well, and their foreheads collided.

“Oi! It’s one thing to disagree, but don’t fight!”

The other Dwarves hurriedly rose to separate the pair.

However, the two of them still glared at each other, as though they were getting ready for round two.

“In any case, let’s take a vote. If anyone disagrees, we’ll discuss it later. It’ll be more constructive than a fistfight.”

“What’s the vote about?”

“First, whether we will let the runesmiths go to the Sorcerous Kingdom in order to make use of the Sorcerer King’s power. All in favor, raise your hand.”

Everyone except the Forgemaster raised their hands.

"Mm. Then, the next item. Do we want to forge relations with the Sorcerous Kingdom and begin trade? All in favor, raise your hand.”

The outcome was the same as before.

"Saya melihat. Then, the vote concerning the Sorcerer King — His Majesty is decided. Sorry, commander-in-chief, but you can call His Majesty back now.”

2

Ainz and company were once more invited to the Council Chamber. After entering, they saw a single disgruntled Dwarf while the others were brimming with positivity. The commander-in-chief also seemed quite at ease.

In other words, everything had developed as he had hoped for. Ainz smiled inside.

“Please accept our sincere apologies for making you come and go constantly. After our discussions, we have decided to proceed as Your Majesty wishes. To begin with, we will throw ourselves upon Your Majesty’s compassion with regards to the matter of stationing of the forces. After that, we shall open diplomatic relations and begin trade with Your Majesty’s nation. That said, the nature of the trade goods and the methods of the transaction will require further negotiation to work out the minute details.”

"Tentu saja. In any event, I shall promptly furnish you with the fighting strength needed to retake the fortress and hinder any further Quagoa invasion. I shall send a representative over to handle the finer points of international relationships in a few days, whereupon you may discuss the matter at length.”

Ainz breathed a sigh of relief.

He had to hand tasks like this — which required relevant knowledge — to Albedo. Fortunately, they had not insisted on hashing things out here.

“Then, there is the matter of Your Majesty’s price for the recovery of the Royal Capital; the dispatch of our runesmiths to the Sorcerous Kingdom. We shall pledge that to you. However, we would like to send a group of inspectors to the Sorcerous Kingdom to see how our brethren are being treated, and to ensure their welfare. May we have your permission to do so?”

"Tentu saja. The Sorcerous Kingdom will accept interviews from these inspectors.”

The Dwarves looked much more relieved now.

Did they intend to conduct a workplace inspection? Rather, it seemed more likely that they wanted to see if the Sorcerous Kingdom was adhering to its side of the labor agreement between the two nations.

Typically, labor contracts are never honored. However, I swear I won’t let anyone end up like Herohero-san. I’ll need to draw up a contract with terms which the Dwarves will respect, let the runesmiths focus on development and the like, among other things.

Ainz nodded to the Dwarves and their concern for their colleagues.

No, all this is thanks to the Quagoa. This situation came about because they conquered the fortress. If they had not picked this time to attack the Dwarven nation, events would not have unfolded so smoothly. Putting on recruitment shows for the runesmith would have taken a lot of time and resources. I almost feel sorry about exterminating the Quagoa now…

One good turn deserved another, after all.

“Then, when does Your Majesty intend to begin the recapture of the Dwarven Kingdom?”

“Umu… As soon as possible.”

While it was not likely that the Quagoa who had defeated the Death Knights was a player, he could not rule out a connection entirely. He had to verify this as soon as possible.

“Then, we will place ourselves in your capable hands. To us Dwarves, being able to take back Feoh Berkanan is like a dream come true. I am certain the people will rejoice at Your Majesty’s matchless might. It might sound forced, but they do come from the heart.”

In other words, if I don’t take back the capital, international relations will be very tricky. It’s not like they’re trying to impose on me, but it does sound very selfish.

"Saya melihat. Then, I shall hasten to prepare,” Ainz nodded. Then, he thought of something.

“Oh yes, I have a request. I don’t know if you’ll mind.”

“What, what sort of request is that, Your Majesty?”

The Dwarves asked that question nervously. Ainz was confused by their fearful attitude. He had not said anything which should have frightened them. Still worried about whether he had done something strange, he asked:

“I intend to present a gift to a certain Lizardman, and I wish to draw upon the exceptional workmanship of the Dwarves to present him with a suitable set of armor.”

There was a sharp intake of breath from behind him.

“That’s right, Zenberu,” Ainz turned to look behind him, to the Lizardman who was holding his breath. “It is for Zaryusu. Call it a present to celebrate the birth of his child.”

Ainz had spoken of this because he intended to preserve Zaryusu’s life. He would surely father many rare Lizardmen in the future. Thus, presenting him with such excellent armor only made sense.

The Dwarves’ attention turned to the Forgemaster.

He folded his arms in front of him, still frowning at Ainz. He did not seem to approve at all.

"Bagaimana? Can you do it?”

After being questioned again and prodded by the people beside him, the Forgemaster finally nodded, unwillingness written all over his face.

“What are the measurements? We can pay for it.”

“Magical armor ought to resize itself to fit its wearer. Can you enchant it here?”

“I have no confidence in magical matters. You’ll have to ask the High Priest about that.”

“If you’re alright with a low-levelled enchantment, there shouldn’t be any problem. Do you not mind, Your Majesty? I believe you should have better enchanters within your domain…”

In truth, there were few skilled enchanters within the Sorcerous Kingdom. Enchanters were essentially specialized magic casters, and they were originally affiliated with the Magician’s Guild. However, the Sorcerous Kingdom’s Magician’s Guild was essentially disbanded.

In addition, Nazarick used a different enchantment process, that of data crystals. He wanted to preserve them as much as possible, given that he could not obtain data crystals in this world. Naturally, nobody in Nazarick could perform the enchantments of this world.

In other words, the Sorcerous Kingdom had no ability to enchant magic items. That said, there was no need to let them know about it.

“If the need arises, all I have to do is reinforce the existing enchantment. In any event, I would like a suit of armor from this city. It will also serve as publicity for Dwarven armorsmithing.”

“Ho,” The Forgemaster’s eyes narrowed. “It should be ready within a week.”

"Benar-benar sekarang. That would be wonderful. Until then, I shall be engaged in taking back the capital. Well, if the battle ends before it’s complete, I might end up waiting around for it in this city.”

"Hmph. Then I’ll work on it faster.”

It was quite clear that he did not mean “it would be a shame to keep you waiting”. It was more like “I’ll finish it up quick so you don’t take too long hanging around in this city.”

Why does he hate me so much? I should be a hero to this country, right? Or the liberator who reclaimed their Royal Capital, right? I don’t recall doing anything to deserve such resentment… is that it? Is he really just a stubborn old fool?

“Regarding the payment—”

“Like I said just now, there’s no charge.”

“That settles the price of that particular article. When I talk about payment, I’m referring to the fact that it is both a finished product and a sample. I need you to tell me how much it costs so I can estimate how much it takes to produce this sort of thing.”

“…I don’t decide the prices. Oi, Merchant’s Guildmaster, you’re in charge of that.”

“…To begin with, we’d have to consider the material of which the armor is made. That would certainly affect the price range…”

“Ah, so it’s like that,” Ainz replied, trying not to let it show in his attitude. “…So tell me, what’s the highest-grade metal in this city?”

If the names of one of the prismatic ores came up, Ainz might well abandon his present negotiations and subjugate the Dwarves by force.

However, his worries were ill-founded.

The metal of which they spoke was adamantite.

“Adamantite, hm? Is there nothing harder than that here? No, even a slightly softer metal would do if it was a rarity in this mountain range.”

They could not answer that question either.

There was a possibility that this was classified information and they could not speak openly of it to Ainz. However, direct questioning would not help. Using charm magic to make them talk would leave the memories of being controlled, so if he could not eliminate them afterwards, it was not an option. Sadly, he had no other way to inquire further.

Since Gondo did not know either, he could only pin his hopes on the more senior runemiths.

As Ainz concealed his disappointment, he produced an ingot from beneath his robes.

“Then, we shall supply the metal. Just tell me the processing fee.”

This was a level 45 metal. It was not particularly strong, but it was much stronger than adamantite.

Zaryusu’s defensive abilities would soar if he wore a suit of armor made from this material. It would be enough to protect him from the vast majority of foes in this world.

“And this is…”

Judging by the expression on the Forgemaster’s face as he examined the ingot, Ainz was sure that this ore could not be excavated anywhere near here.

“A wo…”

Ainz shut his mouth just before he could say “worthless”. After all, this was the raw material for a suit of armor he was giving to Zaryusu. He could not say this sort of thing in front of the armorsmith who would be taking on the task.

“It’s a serviceable metal. I have some weapons made of the same material. One moment, please.”

Ainz rose and left the room before looking through his inventory.

After some searching, he withdrew a strange — one of the weapons in YGGDRASIL which had been designed for form over function — shortsword. Then he returned to the room. Frightened by the fact that Ainz was holding a shortsword, the Dwarves shifted uneasily in their seats. Ainz placed the shortsword on the table and slid it over.

Fortunately, it stopped in front of the Forgemaster.

He did not pick up the short sword that slid before him, but instead studied it with a scary look on his face. It must have bothered him in some way.

“This one. Since it’s a short sword, I don’t know if you can use it as a reference for armor… How about it? Can you make it?”

For some reason, those words caused the Forgemaster to flush red.

“I’ll do it and show you!”

Sensing the powerful determination in the Forgemaster’s voice, Ainz nodded.

"Umu. Then, please take care of that. I’d like a suit of chainmail armor, if possible. I’ll lend you the shortsword too; if you need anything else, feel free to let me know. Zenberu, you should be more familiar with Zaryusu. Answer him about his body size, shape and whatnot.”

“I understand, Your Majesty.”

“Then… that’s all for my request. If it’s fine with you, I will excuse myself.”

“Your Majesty, may I ask where you are going?”

“Ahh, commander-in-chief. There was a Dwarf from the southern city whom I rescued, no? I was invited to his home, and I will be a guest there today. …Let’s leave the welcome reception for later.”

Or rather, Ainz did not want to embarrass himself, so he wanted to avoid such a ceremony. Of course, he did not actually say that.

The commander-in-chief looked a little uneasy.

“I understand Your Majesty’s wishes. However, it would be somewhat distressing if word got out that the savior of our nation had to personally procure accommodations. We have already prepared a high-end room for yourself; would you consider resting there for the day?”

Ainz considered the proposal. The commander-in-chief’s words were acceptable, and there was no reason to refuse.

“Then let us do that. I shall go visit Gondo — the Dwarf who brought me here — and apologize for standing him up.”

I trust you won’t try to hinder me any further. It would seem the commander-in-chief and the others had no objections either.

3

Another Dwarf came in. He was a runesmith. There were very few people in this city who called themselves runesmiths now, and he was one of them.

The Sorcerer King had given something to Gondo, which he had in turn passed on to all the runesmiths he knew. The results were excellent. Even before the appointed time, nine-tenths of the runesmiths he had approached were already at his atelier cum research lab. There was no doubt that the rest would also arrive early.

“Over here!”

"Oh! Gondo! I’m coming!”

Anticipation was written all over the face of the Dwarf who walked over.

“All right, now give it to me as agreed!”

How many times had those words been repeated up till now? While Gondo found it irritating, he rationalized it away as a form of work, and he gave that Dwarf the same answer he had given all the others:

“The Sorcerer King has something to tell everyone. You’ll get it after that.”

"Apa?"

“I told you, didn’t I? Before I gave you that small bottle. His Majesty has something to say, and after you listen to the end, you’ll get the large bottle.”

“Hm, well, that does sound kind of familiar…”

“Alright, if you understand, then sit down over there.”

“Umu… Also, ah, Gondo. About that…”

Gondo knew what was coming even without hearing it. Every single smith who had come had said the same thing.

“Nobody else but His Majesty has such wine. Apakah kamu mengerti? Do you understand that such a wine can only be found in his country?”

“Mm, mhm. That’s true. That taste, like joy spreading through your mouth… It glides down the throat, but burns in the gut…”

“Mhm. Alright, if you get it, then sit down over there.”

Gondo pushed the smith — who was imagining delights unseen — in the appropriate direction.

“Come on, don’t be like that. You’ve tasted it before, haven’t you? You understand how I feel, right?”

“I’ve never touched it. I’m not a fan of drinking.”

“Oh, what a waste! Gondo, you’ve missed out on four-fifths of life!”

“Yes, yes, yes, hurry up and sit down. Look, those guys have all drunk it, you should go discuss it with them.”

"Ohhh! Really?!”

The excited smith began running and then suddenly stopped. Then, he turned to look at Gondo. Many of the smiths here had done that too.

“I say, Gondo.”

"Tidak apa-apa. Jangan khawatir tentang saya. "

"Benarkah? Tapi…"

"Tidak apa-apa. That’s why…”

"…Saya mengerti. However, there’s one thing you must remember. You can come to me for help at any time.”

After saying that, the smith moved to sit with the others. Then, he joined their enthusiastic discussion on the joys of alcohol.

Gondo sighed, his heart aching faintly.

The Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown had given Gondo a certain item in order to gather the runesmiths.

That item was wine.

Gondo did not drink, but no Dwarf could resist the taste of delicious wine. Thus, by whetting their appetites with a small sample of exotic alcohol and promising them a large bottle of it later, they should be able to gather about half the smiths. That was what the Sorcerer King had said. Namun-

Every seat here looked to be filled up.

Gondo sighed again. Personally speaking, he did not want to gather them with such cheap tricks. Instead, he wanted to inflame their pride as craftsmen and have them rally round.

Or rather — that was just Gondo’s selfish wish.

The Sorcerer King had used the quickest and most effective method to gather the smiths. Relying on their pride to bring them together would have wasted a lot of valuable time.

The runesmiths were in dire straits. They had lost the proof that they and their ancestors had existed, while all that lay ahead was darkness. Mired in negativity, it was no wonder that many of them had given up on themselves. Very few Dwarves still called themselves runesmiths and practiced their craft. Most of them had taken down the shingles on their workshops and merely lived day by day of a hopeless, dreamless existence.

Could he have relit the fire in hearts like theirs?

Gondo eagerly looked forward to Ainz and what would happen next.

At the appointed time, Gondo checked the number of Dwarves which had shown up. Every single one was present.

“Well? Ainz-sama asked if he could begin.”

The girl who ran up to Gondo was one of the Sorcerer King’s trusted aides, Aura.

“Oh, can you tell His Majesty that everyone has gathered?”

“Got it~”

The girl ran off. As he watched her leave, Gondo tilted his head.

He was not quite sure what exactly that girl was. Why did that nigh-omnipotent undead lord place so much trust in her? Was she the proof of his friendship with the Dark Elves?

As Gondo pondered this, Ainz Ooal Gown stepped forward on a raised platform. Beside him was the other female who served as his aide.

“Ohhhhhhh!”

“It’s the undead!”

“An enemy?!”

The Dwarves were thrown into chaos. Itu hanya yang diharapkan. The undead were the enemies of all that lived.

“That—”

“—Silence.”

The female — Shalltear Bloodfallen — raised the bottle in her hand.

Everyone’s eyes could pick out the amber radiance within. They were an intensely practical lot, so their attention went to the bottle instead of Ainz’s undead face, and they fell silent.

“Ainz-sama, what is your will?”

“No, there’s nothing. Thank you for your hard work, Shalltear. …Alright, thank you for coming, everyone. There’s enough wine for everyone, so after this, just take one bottle as you go. Until then, I hope you will keep quiet and listen to me. Of course, if you feel that the words of the undead are not worth listening to, you are free to leave on the spot. Of course, you will not get a bottle of this wine.”

The Sorcerer King swept his gaze across the Dwarves.

Every fiber of his being — from his attitude to his diction and many other things — was certain proof of his overwhelming power. Then there was his haughty, regal bearing which made them instinctively cower before him. It was as though every single joint of his fingers was infused with power.

“Then… I trust there are no objections if I begin speaking?”

The Dwarves nodded in silence.

“Firstly, I am the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown. The domain to the south of this mountain range, beyond the Great Forest of Tob, belongs to me. Being able to meet you esteemed runesmiths delights me from the bottom of my heart. Alright: my words are a very simple proposal, as well as a request. Come to my country. I want to use your runecraft to begin a revolution in magic item enchantment.”

As he heard the Sorcerer King’s words, a spike of pain — born of disappointment and despair — pierced Gondo’s heart.

Gondo shook his head.

He cast away the matter of his father and his grandfather, and looked at the faces of the smiths from the side. They all had bitter expressions on their faces. Their response did not look like it would be positive.

“Forgive me, but I have a question I wish to ask.”

The Dwarf who raised his hand glanced at Gondo.

“Why do you want our craft? Frankly speaking, it’s practically a dying art in this country too.”

The Dwarf who spoke was one of the older smiths present.

“…Simple. I want you to rediscover the lost secrets of your art.”

“Lost?”

Under the runesmiths’ eyes, the Sorcerer King produced a sword from his pocket dimension.

The Dwarves gasped in unison.

It was shock, born of seeing a sword being pulled out of thin air. There was also terror at the sight of the skeletal king, wreathed in unholy light, holding up a blade.

But the reason why Gondo exclaimed despite himself was the same awe which filled every other person here.

It was a black-bladed sword of extraordinary quality. The unbelievably fine edge practically shone with magical radiance.

“Such an… An amazing sword…”

“Incredible… I’ve never seen anything like it in my life…”

“Is this the sword from Dwarven mythology?”

"Ohhh! What, what a beautiful sight this is…”

The Sorcerer King raised the sword, as though to show it to the Dwarves. Gondo’s eyes instinctively followed its glow as well.

“Alright, gentlemen, please pay attention to the body of the sword.”

Gondo followed where the Sorcerer King was pointing, and cried out. So did the other smiths.

There were 20 purple runes carved upon it.

However, only Gondo noticed that one of the runes on the sword was the same as the one which the Sorcerer King had described during their encounter in the tunnel.

Saya melihat. So that’s why he knew so much about runes.

He must have gained that knowledge from careful study of that sword.

“Then, I wish to ask you gentlemen. There are 20 runes on this sword; is such a thing possible?”

The answer went without saying — it was impossible. Nobody here could do it, no matter how hard they tried. And then, there was this sword, which seemed to exist only to mock their inability to do so.

The smiths rose from their seats, each with a raging inferno in their eyes. There was a passion in them which had not been there when they were talking about drinks. Then, the crowd surged forward like a horde of zombies pouncing on the living, to the feet of the Sorcerer King.

“Let me see!”

"Silahkan! Let me touch it!”

“I might learn something! I beg you!”

“Insolence!”

The silver-haired girl glared at the encroaching dwarves with a frightening look in her eyes. The Dwarves froze for an instant, as though impaled by a fear which cut like icy blades. And then —

“—You’re being too noisy. Quiet down.”

There was no doubt that they stood in the presence of a true ruler.

His aura was one of a leader that was utterly confident of his position. Then again, it might have been because he was a peerless master of death.

Gondo had known this ever since he had met Ainz in that tunnel, but Ainz had not revealed that side of himself back then. It must have been an act to keep Gondo from shrinking away in fear. This must be the true nature of the Sorcerer King.

I can’t tell his expression, but he seems pleased. It must be because everyone’s moving as he planned.

“A moment, good smiths. Please hear me out to the end. After that, you may touch it directly. I will not continue until you are seated, and neither will you be able to obtain this sword.”

Dejected — cowed by his air of sovereign power — the smiths returned to their places.

"Terima kasih. Then, I shall pick up from where I left off. My question still stands — is a sword with 20 runes carved upon it within your abilities?”

Everyone looked to the oldest and most experienced of the smiths. He shook his head powerlessly and replied:

“It is not. To the best of my knowledge, I have only ever heard of six.”

A torrent of questions erupted.

"Apa? Six? I’ve only ever heard of five!”

"…Apakah begitu. It seems few know of this, but 200 years ago, the hammer which the king bore had six runes carved upon it. That was the secret treasure of the runesmith’s art.”

Gondo recalled his grandfather.

He thought of the face of a runesmith from 200 years ago, a man who was a veteran of weapon-forging.

“Ohhhh! Is that the warhammer which could shake the earth? I think I heard of it in a song once…”

“Correct. Even the runesmiths — hailed as geniuses and prodigies — of that time could not produce a weapon with 20 runes on it…”

"Saya melihat. So this must be a weapon made with lost techniques, then.”

"Hm? Do you not know either, Your Majesty?”

“I am not sure how this sword was made. In all honesty, it is merely my possession. And… its creators are no longer in this world.”

“By that you mean… More valuable techniques were lost, then?”

Pain filled the faces of the smiths. Gondo felt the same way as well.

“Because of that—”

Everyone looked up at the Sorcerer King’s words.

“Because of that, I want to revive those techniques. Thus, I need your strength. I want you to make something like this sword, no matter the cost.”

Silence descended.

Needless to say, it was because they were all aware of how close to impossible this task was.

Even the most skilled of the runesmiths present had strained themselves to carve four runes at once. The Sorcerer King was asking for five times that amount. However, none of them said “it’s impossible”. They had their pride as craftsmen, and after seeing the masterpieces of a prior artisan, they could not bring themselves to deny it.

That sword is like a challenge from the smiths of old to the smiths of today, Gondo thought.

“I want to make it.”

Someone whispered those words.

Soon, that voice was not alone.

"Saya juga."

“I want to try it.”

“Mm, I want to show the world what a real legend looks like.”

“No, I’ll be the one who’ll be hailed as a legend.”

“What nonsense is that. I’m the one who will bear that heavy burden.”

The sound of a applause rang through the air. Its source was the Sorcerer King upon his stage. Although they did not know how he had done it with his bony hands, it was said that all things were possible for a magic caster.

“Marvellous. However, can you do so by yourselves? Can you raise your voices and speak your challenge to a legend? It might be possible. It might not. Thus, I hope you will come to my country and devote your lives to creating new techniques.”

Silence descended once more.

Gondo was very aware of their feelings.

The Sorcerer King was offering these people — who were keenly aware that their art was practically extinct in the Dwarven nation — a shining opportunity within the palm of his outstretched hand.

Should they not bet their lives on this challenge?

“All right then, I will entrust this sword to you.”

The Sorcerer King stepped off the stage, presenting its hilt to one of the aged smiths. Perhaps it was coincidence, or perhaps he had researched it beforehand, but the man to whom he presented it was considered a genius second only to Gondo’s own late father, and his voice carried much weight among the runesmiths.

He did not reach out for it.

It was only natural to be confused when presented with such a mighty blade.

“Is, is it alright? Is it alright to hand such a powerful — a weapon which I may never see again in all my life to someone like me?”

“Right now, you are not Dwarves tempted by wine, but runesmiths who wish to take up a challenge. I can place my trust in that. In addition, I will be leaving this city for a while. Thus, I am simply lending it to you.”

The Dwarf straightened himself up.

"…Saya melihat. Then, please permit me to borrow it, Your Majesty.”

He bowed deeply, and received the sword with the utmost respect.

“Still, I have to say that I do not quite understand the techniques of runecraft. Is it possible to carve runes upon a blade and then further enchant it with magic?”

“It doesn’t work that way, Your Majesty. Runes are characters imbued with mana. Thus, carved runes and enchantments are mutually repulsive. If a powerful magic caster tries an enchantment, the runes will distort.”

“Is that so…”

“Incidentally, when you say you will be leaving Feoh Gēr, where will you be heading?”

“Ah, I will be going to your former Royal Capital.”

The Dwarves groaned all at once.

He could hear them say things like “That ruined—” “To such a dangerous place—” “Where the Quagoa still rule”

Gondo knew that much, but there was a message within them which he could not overlook.

“They say there are three trials awaiting those who wish to go there from this place. Will it be alright?”

“The three hazards, said to be impassable. Even if you make it past the first of them… the Maze of Death is impenetrable.”

All the speakers were elder Dwarves. As expected of those who were old and full of years, it would seem they knew things even Gondo did not. It might be best to ask them about it and inform the Sorcerer King.

The runesmith who had straightened himself up gave his counsel to the Sorcerer King.

“Your Majesty, that place should be the lair of a gigantic Dragon. That lord of the Frost Dragons, the White Dragon Lord, might be in residence. He was the reason for the destruction of Feoh Tiwaz. I know Your Majesty is possessed of great power, but in my humble opinion, that Dragon Lord is equally powerful. I pray you will take care of yourself.”

“…A Dragon, then. Indeed, it would make for a very interesting opponent. Then I shall proceed with the greatest of caution and deal with it carefully.”

After that, there were several more simple questions, and the meeting was dissolved. This was because everyone realized that the sooner it ended, the more time the Sorcerer King would have to take back their capital. They couldn’t bear to get in the way of that, Gondo thought.

Or perhaps, they wanted to inspect the sword they had received.

Gondo did not know which answer was correct, but given the inferno in the eyes of the Dwarven artisans, it was probably the latter.

***

The desire to shout “Yahoo!” filled Ainz.

He had felt that way ever since he had finished his presentation. It was no different from when he had been Suzuki Satoru. Whether he had succeeded or failed, he wanted to cry out as he basked in the feeling of liberation and relief.

“That was amazing, Ainz-sama! You really got that lot all fired up!”

“That was truly incredible. The only person in Nazarick who could do that is you, Ainz-sama!”

Ainz resisted the urge to go, “Ah, no~” in embarrassment as Aura and Shalltear praised him. Perhaps if they were Demiurge or Albedo, he might peek at them while wondering if they were mocking him. But since it was Aura and Shalltear, he could take their words at face value. Perhaps if he was Suzuki Satoru, he might even say, “I’m beat, want to grab a drink?” and head toward a vending machine, but the man who ruled Nazarick and the Sorcerous Kingdom could not say such things.

“—Hm, well, it was nothing much. I’m sure Demiurge or Albedo could do a better job.”

“Certainly not!”

“Yup yup! Even those two couldn’t play those Dwarves that well!”

Ainz did not feel that way, but he had not expected the situation to develop this well. And then, the creeping feeling of guilt over whether this success was a good thing began creeping up on him.

Naturally, the sword he had shown the Dwarves was an item from YGGDRASIL.

YGGDRASIL did not have a rune system. Then again, it might have existed within the game’s data, but it had not been discovered by anyone until the very end. Therefore, the runes carved on that sword were merely cosmetic — for decoration.

At first, he had thought, maybe they might get interested if they saw this sword. But he had been caught completely off guard by the intensity of their reaction, to the point where he kind of regretted saying that he wanted them to make a sword like that.

However, Ainz tamped down that feeling.

He had to strengthen the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick. Since a foe with a World-Class Item might appear in the future, and there might be hidden players out there fighting him, he had to increase their combat strength.

Ainz looked at Shalltear.

She was a Vampire girl who seemed to be blushing in embarrassment — which was actually quite surprising when he thought about it. She was a seed Peroroncino had left behind. And she was the first NPC he had no choice but to kill with his own two hands.

His emotion suppression cancelled out the surge of hatred that followed, but even so, he could not forget it. He could not forget the shadow of the holder of the World-Class Item that had made him do such a thing.

In order to reach his goal, even making people miserable with lies was hardly worthy of consideration. The most important thing in this world was the residents of Nazarick. All other lives were two or three rungs below them.

Equality of lives was nothing more than a madman’s ravings.

If all life was equal, then he would like to put a man who tortured people to death in one electric chair and a champion of said equality in another, and then make the latter decide which of them should die. Anyone who could actually say that they could entrust their fate to a roll of the dice was a true believer.

However, Ainz would kill the former without hesitation. This was because Ainz knew that lives were not equal. There was no comparing the lives of the NPCs within Nazarick to the lives of the people outside it.

“That’s Ainz-sama for you!”

“You’re right!”

Before he could finish his train of thoughts, the praise of Aura and Shalltear stabbed at his heart. In any case—

“Don’t say they were ‘played’. I merely told them the truth.”

He had said that to them for the sake of Gondo, who should have been behind him.

However, when there was no response from behind, a somewhat puzzled Ainz turned around.

Gondo padded closer, prepared to send Ainz off.

“…What is it, Gondo?”

Upon being addressed, Gondo raised his head.

“…Your Majesty. Since you said all that to them, am I to take it that the Council approved of sending over the runesmiths?”

"Memang. They did say they would also send an inspection team in the future to see if they were being treated as slaves, but fundamentally, they agreed to do so.”

“Is that so… So did those great people really feel that runecraft was no longer necessary?”

Gondo’s tears flowed down his cheeks

Ainz was shocked, Outside of childhood, a man’s tears were a rare thing.

Those tears must have been shed because he had learned that the art which he admired and which he took such pride in had been judged worthless and abandoned by his country.

But was that really the case, Ainz thought. Given the Dwarven nation’s circumstances, it would be very hard for them to refuse the request of a nation who had pledged to send them reinforcements.

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. That was a truth among nations.

Even Ainz would kill hundreds of millions of people for Nazarick.

Still, there was no need to tell Gondo any of this.

“Indeed, Gondo. This country seems to view its runesmiths as disposable. They handed them over with hardly any resistance when I asked for them.”

Gondo, as well as the runesmiths who might hear of this from him, had to abandon their country to some extent. While it was very difficult to completely forsake the land of one’s birth, it was still a necessary step to have them devote their utmost loyalty to the Sorcerous Kingdom.

Ainz gently patted Gondo’s shoulder.

“However, the same is not true of me. I sense potential from the runesmiths.”

Even if Gondo’s dreams could not be realized, monopolizing these skilled people and using their research might allow him to develop a countermeasure against enemies with runic weapons.

Knowledge was power.

“…Even if you’re discarded by one country, it’s not over as long as another one needs you, don’t you think?”

Ainz patted Gondo’s shoulder several times. Gondo wiped his face clumsily.

“…Thank you very much, Your Majesty. Please allow me to meet your expectations with all my strength.”

“Umu, umu. I shall look forward to it.”

Ainz smiled — although his face did not move — as though to say, “I trust you.”

Then again, Ainz had been thinking.

It would be good if he could learn about the Dwarven Capital. He would probably need to have Gondo do some legwork to obtain more information. And then, he had to speak to the commander-in-chief.

Dragons in YGGDRASIL could live forever. It would not be strange for them to be individuals of unimaginable power. So in all likelihood there’ll be a Frost Dragon waiting for me…

Suddenly, the face of a young man — no, a young woman appeared from within his memories.

“Come to think of it, she did say she wanted to help me learn more about them… What a shame.”