Magic Caster of Destroy

Fluder was not aware of, was that fellow’s ability to control Death Knights. He probably knewabout Ainz Ooal Gown ―that incredible magic caster― from the beginning.

It was like putting the pieces of a jigsaw together, to reveal a beautiful ―or horrifying― picture.

So, Fluder knows that monster. From how long ago were they in cahoots? From the beginning?

That’s right. Fluder was involved with every step of this mess, from the discovery of the tomb to thedispatch of the workers.

He had finally made a connection between all the scattered pieces of the puzzle.

When one thought about it that way, most of the mysteries could be brought to light.

“Treachery, is it? Treachery. He’s sold us out.”

The words were spoken like a bitter grudge… or perhaps, like a child crying.

Jircniv slowly turned back to his subordinates. They knew they were not permitted to ask questions, and thus remained silent.

“Fluder Paradyne has betrayed us all. That being the case, what damage will this do to the Empire?

Can we put him in a sinecure and place him under house arrest?”

Everyone could not help but stare at that unbelievable statement.

“How, how is that possible, Your Majesty? This is too much for a joke.”

Uncontrollable anger burned in Jircniv as the acolyte spoke. He wanted to shout, “That’s not what I want to hear” but he held his tongue. The reason he could do that was also because a young Jircniv was saying in his head that he didn’t want to accept those words either.

Jircniv had grown up watching the brutal politics of the dark side of noble society. With that, the adult Jircniv took a deep breath and exhaled the blazing heat in his chest and the burning emotions in his heart.

“I will say this one more time. Fluder Paradyne has betrayed us. That being the case, what damage will this do to the Empire?”

His subordinates looked at each other, and after a few seconds of this, the acolyte spoke.

“It is difficult to imagine. The amount of damage cannot be estimated with a single glance. With master around, we could be confident of overcoming any other country. We have been able to remain uninvolved with the petty politics of other nations thus far because of that.”

He looked at the scribe, seeking approval. The scribe turned pale and nodded.

“If he knows he’s been found out and sequestered, he may start taking more open action.”

“Don’t we have an intelligence agency for this sort of thing? Ah, I see. Fluder’s experience was extensive, and he shared it with us.”

“It is as you say, Your Majesty. Master truly―”

“―The possibility is shockingly high.”

Jircniv’s words overwhelmed and cut off the secretary’s.

“…But if that is the case, then we will have an incredible amount of work to do. First, let us decide who Fluder’s successor will be. Are there any suitable candidates?”

The flames of desire burned bright in the acolyte’s eyes as he heard those words, and Jircniv could not help but smile internally.

The position of being Fluder’s successor as the Imperial Court Wizard was a mouth-watering temptation. After all, it was a position that gave one the right to administer and manage arcane magic casters throughout the Empire.

Because the position had always been filled by that great hero, nobody else could claim it. Even if one had the ambition for it, their opponent was far too strong to overcome by wicked means. And now, this hitherto sealed-off position had been offered to him.

Greed is good. Desire drives progress. I approve of that sort of desire. However, I should probablyask, just in case.

“However, one must bear in mind that as the Imperial Court Wizard, one may be called upon to do battle with that monster.”

The flames of the acolyte’s ambition went out in that instant. He could not even bring himself to be excited about it. The position he had longed for became one he wished to avoid more than anything else in the world.

He would have a better chance of surviving a jump off a five hundred meter tall cliff into a shoal of rocks than he would in spell battle against Ainz Ooal Gown.

No, he might be better off dying right here.

As the acolyte thought about that prospect, a new look came into his eyes. It was the look of a frightened mouse which had been cornered by a predator.

The hopes in Jircniv’s heart died. He could tell that this man did not have the courage to take on Ainz Ooal Gown. Or rather, he should never have expected that in the first place.