Magic Caster of Destroy

These are not the actions an ally would take. Still, the fact that he would be so overt about this isproof of his insidious nature. Demiurge… he must be planning to send this stupid-looking monsterto do such intelligence-intensive work so he can blame any problems on the actions of hissubordinate. Ainz Ooal Gown, how many more tricks do you have up your sleeve? Damn you!

Although he was cursing and swearing at Ainz in his heart, Jircniv had to acknowledge his skills.

His earlier misstep was a calculated move to stop us from complaining later. We have to speak upnow if we have any qualms about this. If we don’t, he might assume that we have no issues with thisin future.

Just as Jircniv was about to say something, Ainz spoke before him.

“Demiurge is one of my most trusted followers. I am sure there will be no further problems if he and Roune discuss matters.”

“That would be wonderful.”

Jircniv forced himself to smile.

This was the first time he had seen such a masterful exploitation of an opportunity. Since he had already said this much, anything further would be a waste of breath.

However, as Jircniv heard Ainz’ next words, he realized how naïve he had been.

“Now then, the situation is different. Now, Jircniv-dono is an ally of Nazarick. To send you home in such haste seems rude. Since you are here, why not spend the night? Think of it as a welcome.”

So it’s not just Roune, he wants to get everyone here as well?!

Worse, he might be planning an even more wicked scheme. No matter what, it was hard to believe this was an innocent act of charity with no ulterior motives. He cursed the twisted face of Demiurge as he replied “Understood” from the bottom of his heart.

“No, no, no, we could not possibly trouble you. After all, we must return to make preparations.”

“Is that so? That is a shame. Then, if it is convenient― no, please allow one of my servants to send you home.”

Jircniv imagined himself riding a dragon, and curiosity welled up at Ainz’ suggestion. Still, Jircniv shouldered that prospect aside. There was no way Ainz would simply transport him home, and he did not wish to owe Ainz a favor.

“I am deeply appreciative of Gown-dono’s most generous offer and I thank you for it. However, I feel that since I came on a carriage, I should return the same way.”

“An undead headless horse could run day and night without sleep―”

“―Please forgive me, but I must respectfully decline.”

“Must you? I see.”

He could sense that there was some disappointment in those words. Was it an act, or was it the truth? Jircniv could not tell, although he suspected it might be an act.

In any case, as long as they did not fully understand their current circumstances, he wanted to avoid announcing the news of the Empire’s alliance with the undead Ainz.

To begin with, if he rode an undead horse that hated the living back to the Empire, leaving aside the priests that he brought with him, what would the priests of the capital’s temples have to say about that?

“Then, permit me to return to my domain.”

“Very well. Demiurge… escort our guests outside.”

“No, no, there is no need to trouble… well, since this is a rare opportunity, how about the maids? I have never seen such beautiful women before.”

Ainz cricked his neck in surprise.

―It was an incredibly fake movement.

Jircniv fought to keep his anger under control as he smiled to Ainz.

He knows we’re on guard against Demiurge but he’s still provoking us like this!

There was no intention of forming an alliance here. It was a roundabout way of telling Jircniv exactly who was in charge here.

I’ve never seen such evil before… he’s a threat to humanity’s continued survival…

“Ah, thank you for that. Then, please speak with the maids waiting outside. Ah, what a fine day for forging an alliance. How I wish I could make it a feast day!”

You mean, to celebrate the day you made slaves of us?!

As he screamed internally, Jircniv smiled to Ainz once more.

“Indeed. Yes… Indeed.”

Part 4

After the talks were concluded, Ainz gathered the Guardians in his room ― Albedo, Demiurge, Aura, Mare, Cocytus, Shalltear, and Sebas.

He signaled to his kneeling subordinates to rise.