Overlord (WN) - Chapter 69

Chapter 69

Separating from Sebas, Climb reported to Renner about what happened . What happened in the alley, Sebas’ story and the woman he wants to help .

　When Climb asked if it was possible to shelter the woman, she did not hesitate . At a speed that could only be described as instantaneously, Renner’s reply was a positive one .

“No, I don’t mind . ”

“Thank you . ”

　Climb bowed and felt a deep gratitude for the kindly smiling Renner .

　As princess, Renner’s territory was quite wide, and it would be simple to shelter a single woman . If she entered a village from outside the territory, there would not be a lot of information leaked . Basically, her safety was guaranteed .

　Ignoring the fact that he suddenly appeared, he could reply his debt to Sebas for training him . And since Renner agreed, the chance that this would case a problem was low, and Climb patted his chest in relief .

“Was Climb… . worried? That I would refuse?”

　Renner’s words were slightly tinged with sadness, and Climb raised his head as if shot .

“T, that is not true! I believed that the kind Renner-sama would never refuse . However, as your follower, I cannot allow for you to be troubled! And thus I was worried that this would trouble Renners-sama!”

　Since the day Climb was picked up, he believed that Renner was the world’s most kind woman .

　Seeing the panicking Climb, Renner’s lips loosened into a small smile . This showed that her earlier attitude was a joke, and Climb sighed a breath in relief .

　The woman known as Renner should never be saddened . Climb’s feelings could only be understood by a man whose lover was shining brightly .

“… . I would like to meet that old man . ”

“Yup yup, but since he’s an old man, it’s too bad . ”

“… . Haa . ”

　Lakyus listened in from the side and spoke as he interest was peaked . And Tia shook her head in agreement .

　These were the words that had the will of the Kingdom’s strongest A+ Adventurers .

　A person that Climb viewed as Gazef-class, Sebas . If such a person existed, they should have knowledge about it, but the two of them had none . He was an existence that they should pay attention to .

“He might have disguised his appearance . ”

“Yup, he might have . ”

“There are no old male A+ or A Class adventurers after all . ”

“From his appearance, he does not seem to be a hermit . ”

“Then shall we promise to meet once about the woman . We shall ask him then . Would it be possible to arrange a meeting with him . ”

“Eeh, please do so, Climb . ”

“Understood . ”

　Climb lowered his head to Lakyus, and signaled the end of the conversation . However, Renner easily changed it .

“By the way, Climb . Do you have something you want to say?”

　Suitable for the position of princess, her calm yet regal voice reverberated through the room . Lakyus and Climb looked at each other, and had a discussion with their eyes . Tia lazily looked at them, but that air of hers formed a wall that said, don’t look at me .

“… . I’m sorry?”

　Swallowing with a gulp, Climb asked Renner . What met him were Renner’s questioning eyes .

“Climb would like to say something else right? You want to ask me for something different right?”

　Despite Renner’s smiling face, Climb felt cold sweat trickle down his back .

　Lakyus was sitting at the same table and her face was one of slight suspicion, then she predicted what would happen, and then scowled .

　Climb wanted to ask one thing .

　Can you save them?

　It was just that .

　There were other people kept prisoner, could they not be saved as well . However, Climb should not speak those words .

　If he closed his eyes and acted dumb, everything would end without a problem . A small amount of guilt was left, but it was much better than having losses .

“There is no such thing, simply Renner-sama’s misconception . ”

“Really? I mostly understand Climb well though?”

“T, then this will be your first mistake . I, I do not really have anything to wish for . ”

“Truly?”

　Renner looked at Climb, as if peering into him .

“Y, yes… . It is as you say . ”

　While feeling the sweat down his cheek, Climb made his words ambiguously . From here on out was a realm filled with disadvantages . If he thought about his master, Renner, he should throw away his idea .

　The reason why Lakyus was frowning, was because she understood what Climb wanted to say .

“Hey, Alvein . Could you investigate the area where this Sebas-san found the girl?”

　Her answer to that was a sigh .

“… . This is not something you should stick your head into though?”

“Why?”

“Why you ask… . ”

　Renner tilted her head innocently, and Lakyus collapsed into her chair and explained .

“It would be best to avoid sticking your head into the Kingdom’s underworld . Well, nothing will happen to you, but you should not see it . ”

　There were victims, and one could give them the hand of salvation . This was a wonderful act . However, the problem was not that simple . Even if they had the absolute authority as royalty . This was as saving them, would put them at loggerheads with their oppressors .

　The underworld was born of desire, and was the rotten part of society . Of course, in terms of interests, there would be criminals with relations to the royal family . In a certain meaning, it was a necessary evil . Opposing them might create a giant pitfall for the weakening royal family .

　That was why Climb did not say anything about saving them .

　Lakyus was lost .

　Was it okay to let the most beautiful person in the Kingdom to see this trash . If she learnt about them, would the woman known as Renner make any strange moves .

　—She could not come up with an answer .

“Could you please, investigate it?”

　Lakyus stared at her friend’s face . This friend was dense about the feelings of others . However, she was strangely sensitive to Climb’s emotions .

　It was to the point whether she questioned whether or not she was simply acting that she was dense and could not read the air .

　No—

　Lakyus shook her head . Even she would not act detrimentally against herself or her family .

“Impossible . ”

“Then who can I ask—”

“—Stop there . This is a warning from a friend . ”

“Then I should ignore those in pain?”

“… . That is… . ”

“It can’t be helped? One should give up because their luck was bad?”

　Originally, Tia was a member of Ijaniya and her words had no mercy .

“The people are in pain, so the royalty should ignore them?”

“…… . . ”

“… . Mu . ”

　Neither Climb nor Lakyus could speak .

　It was true that this was an act fitting of the woman known as Renner .

　This woman was called golden, and thought of the people, of the weak and reached out to save them .

　She was such a woman .

　Climb suppressed the feeling of love and respect that appeared in his heart . Climb himself was extremely happy, despite it not being a good thing for Renner .

　Renner and Lakyus looked at each other, and Lakyus folded .

“Hah, I got it . I’ll go investigate so go wait for a bit . Tia come with me . We’ll buy information from the thieve’s guild using your connections . ”

◆

“We’ve finished . ”

　These were the first words coming from Lakyus, who returned after three hours .

　She was wearing a dress earlier, the current Lakyus had changed, and was wearing clothes that were easy to move in . They were clothes that adventurers wore under their armour . However, since she was in front of the princess, she had chosen ones that looked good . There was no mud, stains or blood on it .

　With every move she made, a small scent of flowers could be smelled . There was no way adventurers would use perfume as it would give away their position, but she was paying attention to the situation .

“Welcome back . Take a seat . ”

　Renner directed Lakyus and Tia to their seats from three hours ago . The figures of them relaxing in their chairs showed how much trouble they went through to collect information .

“T, that was fast . ”

　While preparing drinks for Lakyus and Tia who had sat down, Climb asked .

　Pouring water into something like a decanter, the smell of citrus permeated throughout the room . Grabbing the glass, Lakyus emptied it in one culp . As her beautiful, healthy and without a trace of imperfection, throat moved, the juice immediately collected in her stomach .

“Haa—”

　Having the glass placed down with a thud, Climb poured in juice again . His gaze moved to Tia sitting next to Lakyus . She was grabbing the glass with both hands, and in a fashion reminiscent of a hamster, she was sipping it, and her glass had enough juice in it .

　Confirming that, Climb sat down in his allotted seat .

“Thank you, Climb . ”

　This time, Lakyus wetted her lips with the juice, and sighed .

“Umm, originally, even the thieve’s guild believe they are dangerous . Since they had investigated them, we easily got the info . Shall I begin?”

“Eeeh, please . ”

“… . Hey, Theiere . I don’t know how to tell you this . I believe that you have to know this world exists, but I wonder if that is right . ”

“… . Tell me Alvein . It is something I should know . ”

“… . Then I won’t hide anything . And I won’t pick my words . Do you mind?”

　Renner smiled at Lakyus who was staring at her . It was as if she had no thoughts, but yet had a strong will . Lakyus stared at her again, and slightly tilted her head . She could not read her .

“Firstly they have three shops… . ” Lakyus’ expression hardened . “One is where they use children or young people . Another is with middle-aged people . The last is… . where the people who have been damaged in the two shops are sent, and are intended to be disposed of . A place that attracts the lowest of the low . ”

　Hesitating, Lakyus finally spoke .

“There, the Eight Fingers of Divanack do lots of business there . ”

“Divanack? The Demon God of Corruption and Pleasure?”

　Climb asked from the side .

　Divanack was different from the Demon Gods the 13 Heroes defeated, but was a Demon God, and ruled rotten desires . He was burned by the Fire God, and locked in the Demon Realm .

　The eight fingers he had, contained the meaning of the eight desires that humans had .

“Then, do they have a cult behind them?”

“It would be great if that were true . They are simply using that name . According to the guild . ”

　If there was a cult, then eradicating them would be a great justice . Even if there was a noble supporting them, this was a grave sin . Those who made enemies of even the temple would not be supported by the nobles of the same faction .

“Umm, five out of the eight are good at fighting . The other three handle the finances, legal and the connections with the nobles . We were informed about any physical characteristics and skills they have . ”

　Lakyus took out multiple sheets of thick paper and placed them on the table .

“Excuse me . ”

　Climb reached out his hands and read the words on the paper . The handwriting was female, and thus either Lakyus or Tia wrote this .

　 Their name, appearance, main fighting style, and their choice of weapon was written in detail .

　Renner who was looking at the same page returned it as she lost interest . It was natural as Renner was a princess and this would not interest her .

“Umm, are they strong?”

“… . From whose point of view . To us they are nothing much . But to Climb, they are beyond strong . ”

　Probably three of them . Maybe one more .

　Climb read the whole stack of paper and determined so .

“Umm, it seems that that shop was originally a place for selling woman for cheap and have them work there . On top of selling them, they would be disposed of . They were probably used for the most vile fetishes . They seem to be many corpses from that last one especially . They were probably killed . Separated hands and legs could also be found . ”

　As if a cloud covered the sun, a small shadow covered Renner’s beauty . Seeing her expression, two contradictory emotions were born in Climb: That she should not know about this world . But yet she should know .

“The most dangerous thing is that behind them is Earl Iselk . ”

　Hearing Lakyus’ words, Climb frowned more than Renner did earlier .

　Any political war within the Palace was a large flame that could easily reach Renner . So he had worked hard to understand the political world of nobles . Of course, since he was rejected from both factions he did not have much information, but from looking at the interactions of the soldiers in the canteen and training hall he had a rough grasp .

　Places covered in darkness were still unknown, but what from Climb knew, Earl Iselk was—

“—One of the backbones of the Royal Faction . ”

　So it seems, Lakyus said has she shrugged .

　While she was a noblewoman, as a famous adventurer, he knowledge of noble society was less than Climb’s . But she easily answered Climb’s question .

“I asked at the guild . Of course the thieve’s guild investigated their backer . Apart from what I mentioned earlier, it seems to be used for the strengthening of the faction and betrayals . He fulfills his bestial lust but there are no further complications . ”

　Lakyus practically spewed out her words .

“Now, so this was the gist of it . How was it?”

“Perfect . ”

“Yes, thank you, Tia . Now, what should we do?”

　Silence filled the room . The person who cut it apart was Renner .

“Mobilise the troops, and smash them . ”

“Impossible . ”

　Lakyus refuted her . With such a strong reply, Renner did not say anything further, and thought of other possibilities .

　Because she was a princess, mobilising troops was extremely difficult .

　If the princess had soldiers directly under her it would be fine, but the only one she had was Climb . So to mobilise them there would need to be orders . Then the soldiers of the Royal Faction would move .

　However, the one behind them was Earl Iselk of the Royal Faction . It was not clear what connections they had, but the chance that the soldiers would be deployed late was extremely high .

　But what if the soldiers of the Noble Faction moved?

　This was a chance for them to deal a blow to their opposing faction, and it was given to them by Renner . They would fulfill their orders, and save the trapped people . However, as a result the authority of the Royal Faction would drop, and cause rifts in the faction .

　Basically mobilising the troops using Renner’s authority would bring no merits . Then the next thing was—

“The problem would be solved if we activated adventurers right?”

“…… . . Probably . ”

　Lakyus mumbled a reply, but there was hesitation in her eyes . Tia explained for her .

“Adventurers can solved the problem . However, it does not solve the problem with Earl Iselk . ”

　Should they destroy Earl Iselk’s business in the dark, the source of evil would definitely remain . Even if it were the princess’ orders . No, because it was her orders . This was an act that damaged one of the hearts of the faction, so it would cause waves in the faction .

　If they put Earl Iselk on trial, it would be a worse problem .

　Basically any move they made would damage the Royal Faction . Thus Lakyus was against it . As both were detrimental to Renner .

“Why? If we imprison Earl Iselk would the problem not be solved?”

“It’s not that simple . The Factions would be shaken . ”

“… . Is there a need for such a terrible person in the faction?”

“… . Factions are not that simple . In a way, Earl Iselk is a necessary evil . ”

“Can’t we hide the identity of the requester?”

“The guild will investigate that, and it will be difficult to completely hide that Renner requested it . You could hire workers… . but their reliability is doubtable . ”

“Then what about hiring Alvein?”

“Spare me . I am a noble girl . If things go badly, it will cause trouble to the family . ”

“Really? But it is the right thing to do… . ”

“Haah… . Fine? I will somehow handle Earl Iselk’s shop,  but one must negotiate with him . One has to silence him with pressure . ”

“As a princess can I not do it?”

　Right? Renner said as she looked at Climb and Lakyus .

　I don’t know, Lakyus implied in her glances at Climb . The meaning in her gaze was easily understood .

“… . Renner-sama . Honestly, pressuring them will be difficult . Everyone will understand Renner-sama’s kindness since she has thought this much for them . However, this is an extremely sensitive problem . It is a good plan to grit our teeth and keep our head down . ”

　Climb did not believe so, but Renner did not understand the importance of laying groundwork, and was the headstrong type . If there was a sensitive problem like the one they were facing, the chance of large problems occurring if they charged in was high . It could not be ignored .

　There was no man who wished for the woman he loved to get hurt and go down a road of pain . Climb was the type to hurt himself and open up a safe path for her instead .

　Imprisoned, treated like slaves and sent to die . Such people were pitiful, and he felt disgusted by the people who put them there . However, he thought that it could not be helped that the woman most important to him had to avert her eyes to them .

“You should have a personal guard apart from Climb . ”

“Maybe . ”

“Even if you have one it does not solve the problem with the nobles . ”

“The Princess is a beautiful decoration after all . ”

“Tia!”

“It’s the truth . ”

　Silence fell . Lakyus sent a sharp gaze at Tia, but she had no changed in expression .

“Alvein, Climb . I really am a decoration . ”

“T, that is not true!”

　Climb shouted . It was an attempt to gloss it over, but Renner was not fooled .

“… . Really?”

“ Umuuuu… . ”

　As if being swallowed by Renner’s pure eyes, Climb could not continue . Because he thought Tia spoke the truth .

　Renner closed her eyes, and faced upwards .

　A few seconds passed . Climb was thinking to console her, but not words came to mind . Lakyus was also silent, and kept a scowl on her face .

“… . We have no choice . Call for Marquis Raeven . He has had meetings here for various reasons, and should still be in the capital . ”

“The Marquis?”

　According to Climb’s memories, he was one of the Six Great Nobles, and was part of the Royal Faction . However, he was a strange one, and the soldiers of Marquis Raeven did not mix well with other soldiers of the faction .

　Why such a person? Climb wondered, but Renner’s orders took first priority in his head . However, he still voiced one of his thoughts .

“… . Will it be fine despite being quite late though?”

　Climb glanced out the window to check the outside . The sky was filled with stars, and was ruled by the darkness of dusk . However, it was not yet dinnertime, and calling someone without an appointment was not a good thing now .

　Of course, there was no way a Great Noble would refuse an invitation by Princess Renner .

“I don’t mind . If I say that I have an urgent message for him, I believe he will come . ”

“Understood . Then I will be calling for Marquis Raeven . ”

　Climb slowly stood up from the chair .

“Aindra-sama, please excuse me . ”

“Eeeh… . Hey, Theiere . What are you thinking of, calling for the bat?” (TL Note: I am aware this contradicts the earlier chapter . Author’s problem not mine . I checked . )

　While hearing Lakyus’ question from behind him, Climb left the room .