Chapter 77

Overlord First Half Chapter 77: Gaiden: Come Everyone to [Demiurge’s Ranch]

Gaiden: Come Everyone to [Demiurge’s Ranch]

Translators: Frostfire10

　Roble Kingdom .

　It was a kingdom to the south west of Re-Estize Kingdom and its territory was only half of it . Geographically it was close to the Slane Theocracy, but it had almost no trade with the Theocracy . There was a giant hilly area between the Slane Theocracy and the Roble Kingdom— The Abelion Hills and a large forest— The Great Forest of Eivasha .

　What especially obstructed that was the many demi-human tribes like goblins and orcs in the Abelion hills that constantly fought each other .

　The wall of fortresses that surrounded the Roble Kingdom was created to prevent the invasion of demi-human groups . However since there was no existence that could rally the goblins or orcs, the wall was never used .

　There were countless tribes in the wide Abelion Hills . Where those demi-humans stayed were in tents . This proved that the orcs did not live a life staying in one place .

　There was a tent where the Crooked Tusk tribe stayed .

　None of the tribes had something this large . The pillar that supported the ten metre tall structure itself seemed that it would difficult to carry .

　The same Crooked Tusk tribe did not have tents this extravagant . They had extremely dilapidated ones .

　This tent was brought in by someone . It’s workmanship was at the level where one would immediately understand this .

　 In the centre of that tent was a chair .

　It was a lump of countless bones forced into the shape of a chair . However, its use was obvious . It was so large that it was not obvious what it was— Including the back it was about six metres tall . In addition, the empty eye sockets of the countless skulls that decorated it peered into one’s soul .

　It was— A throne .

　Despite it being a fearsome creation, it made one wonder which artist made it . It made the viewer feel a sense of beauty . If one stood from afar, the pure white decorated throne would immediately catch their eye .

　There was no one sitting on that throne . It was like there was someone supposed to be sitting there, but they had left, leaving it empty .

　However, there was someone standing next to that throne .

　The word handsome, would be the most suitable word to describe his face .

　His slightly angled eyes might cause him to lose some points but, his sharp nose bridge, his pale and thin lips, and his light hearted but gentle smile brought a sense of trust to those who saw him .

　He was extremely similar to a human, but he had definite inhuman qualities .

　His height was two metres, and his skin was a shiny red . Two sharp goat-like horns protruded from his temples, and giant black wings were attached to his back, proving that he was not human .

　Several shadows kneeled before them . They were not orcs .

　They were demons .

　That was the most accurate word to describe the existences there .

“Now, shall we begin our regular meeting . ”

　They were extremely gentle words . His words soaked deep into the hearts of everyone, and let them feel comfortable .

　He bowed to the throne, as if someone was sitting there . Following him, the kneeling figures also respectfully bowed . It was so respectful that if there was not enough space beneath their heads, something terrible would have happened .

“First is Torturer . ”

“Yes Demiurge-sama . ”

　The one who reacted to his, Demiurge’s, voice was one of the shadows . He was a demon with a black leather face that perfectly suited him . His skin was white, milk white .  His blood vessels were complete visible due to his skin colour, and made one believe that purple blood was running through it .

　On his black head was a mask that covered all parts of his face, which made one wonder if they could see his eyes, if he was breathing, or where his voice was coming from . His arms were extremely long . His height was about two metres, but his arms would reach below his knees .

　At his waist hung countless bloodstained work tools .

　This demon was a Torturer .

“The collection of the skin parchment is proceeding smoothly . ”

“Excellent . ”

　Demiurge kindly opened his hand .

“The parchment that Torturer has collected is in excellent condition . Ainz-sama would be overjoyed . ”

“Thank you very much . ”

“Are the sheep healthy?”

“Yes . After the flaying, we immediately cast magic, so we can harvest it again the next day . ”

　By the nature of his duties, Torturer was a demon that could use simple healing magic . Yes, to not let people die in peace .

“I see . Since their cries are melodious, it should be fine to listen to them for a bit longer . ”

“Then shall I leave them for a bit before applying healing magic?”

“No, it would be better not to . We get the best parchment from the young ones, and they die immediately without magic . ”

“Understood . ”

“Yes, magnanimity is important . We have to take care of the sheep . ”

“Ha!”

　Demiurge moved his gaze from the bowing Torturer . When it reached the next demon he wanted to ask, one of the demons raised her head, and had an expression that said she wanted to ask something .

　In response, Demiurge nodded, giving her permission .

“… . About the parchment, is it fine to not inform Ainz-sama about them?”

　That demon was the female demon who informed Ainz that the species of sheep was known as the [Abelion Taur] .

　Of course, it was by Demiurge’s orders to use that name, but she opened her mouth due to fear of being made a scapegoat later .

“Don’t mind it . Ainz-sama has said that the goods made using the parchment is extremely important . In actuality, the research and development of consumable goods is a huge problem . ”

　Demiurge sent a warm gaze at the parchment placed in a corner of the tent . He had worked together with the sheep’s parents to skin it . When he recalled their expressions he was about to leak a smile .

“Ainz-sama unexpectedly has the generosity to hold mercy for such boring animals, but he understands the importance of this . He must have kept silent about this . Thus I have decided that we should give them a different name so as to not upset him . There is no need for you to worry . ”

　Demiurge looked down upon the kneeling figures in front of him and declared as such .

“The Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick, or Ainz Ooal Gown-sama is our holy existence . Such a person lacks scrolls . If he had to have such a dull worry, it would be a sad thing as his subordinates . ”

“—Yes . If we find another species of animal that can rival the quality of the current ones, shall we end this ranch? Well, complete disposal would be appropriate . Yes . What does our master truly want? The smartest subordinates will always have that in mind and act . Understood?”

“Understood . ”

　The female demon acted as their representative and expressed their loyalty . Demiurge nodded gently as if satisfied .

“Now, next is Succubus . You . I look forward to your good report . ”

“—Yes . ”

　The one who spoke was a human-like woman .

　Her body was covered by the giant black wings which protruded from her back, and she was mostly naked with only a thin metal plate covering her important parts . Her seductive beauty permeated the air from her face and body, turning the atmosphere a lewd pink .

　However her extremely beautiful features were frozen with worry .

“The interspecies breeding experiments are proceeding smoothly . Unfortunately, since this experiment requires time to see the results, may I request for more time?”

“Of course . As much as you need . The birth of new life is a joyous moment . Actions to achieve that are righteous . ”

　Demiurge’s expression seemed to be filled with mercy and magamity, as if he were a priest spreading the words of his lord .

　 Succubus sighed in relief but was then spoken to again .

“However— I have heard rumours that it is not going well?”

“—!”

　Succubus’ shoulders stiffened, and her body shivered as if she had a fever . The demons next to her moved away apprehensively . They feared what would happen next .

“How about it, Succubus . Are they proceeding smoothly?”

“Ha! I cannot use the word smoothly though… . ”

“Hmm, what a bad child . Ah yes, how about offering your love to my image?”

　Demiurge smiled . It was a truly gentle smile . He took one step towards her . The current distance between them was quite large . However Succubus felt that Demiurge would appear in front of her with just one more step .

　Succubus knew where her predecessor had went to and she hurriedly formed words .

“T, the orcs refuse to cooperate! However, I am forcing them to do it using charm magic! I shall produce the results that Demiurge-sama desires!”

“The sense of beauty is different between races after all . ”

　The sense of beauty of orcs and goblins was completely different . To orcs, human beauties were the pinnacle of ugliness . That was why interspecies breeding would produce low quality products .

　That was why Demiurge enjoyed it .

　Demiurge loved to hear the screams of pain . Rather than screams from mental damage, he preferred it to be from physical pain . However he did not hate screams from mental damage .

“Then would it be better to cast it on the humans?”

“Y, yes, currently, I have casted it on the males . ”

“Hearing that tells me that it’s going smoothly though?”

“… . The human spirit is weak . There have been many problems such as self-harm… . ”

　They could not allow for any form of self harm like suicide . Unfortunately there were no demons that could use resurrection magic . Thus the numbers dropped .

　To avoid that, they had to cooperate with Nazarick, but that would be difficult .

“So would it not be better to constantly cast magic to lower their intelligence?”

“… . I like the screams they make when they wake up from the charm though?”

“Understood . ”

　Then there was a need to strengthen the nighttime surveillance . Succubus decided as such . However no matter how much she thought, with the subordinates she was given there would be a hole created somewhere .

　Succubus braced herself and asked .

“With the current manpower, it is a bit difficult . Would it be possible to increase the number of subordinates?”

　The air froze and Demiurge’s smile only deepened . Succubus shivered but stared at his face .

　It was the normal smile Demiurge always had . That smile would deepen when he heard something distasteful .

“… . I see . Well, if it’s interesting I don’t mind . Got it, Succubus . I shall increase your subordinates . ”

　Demiurge smiled .

　That was why it was terrifying .

　Succubus felt that she was in the clear and wiped away her cold sweat .

“Yes . The Minotaurs we caught earlier should be good . ”

“Yes! What an excellent suggestion . I have thought about trying to fit them into the plan . ”

　Demiurge smiled in satisfaction .

“I have to be grateful to Ainz-sama . I cannot so such a fun thing in Nazarick . I look forward to going on a picnic in Roble Kingdom . We need more replacements for the dead sheep . ” Demiurge smiled . “I am really happy to be able to expand my ranch . ”

　He bowed as if there was someone sitting on the throne . It was a graceful gesture, as if he were a noble working for his king .