Overlord (WN) - Volume 2 - Chapter 12

Overlord Second Half Chapter 12: The Days Omake

Nimble appeared before the newly constructed Imperial Office. The doors were heavy and seemed to resemble a prison. Surrounding them were magic casters, priests and guards with sharp and ever swerving eyes. Not only that, but there were also thieves and rangers. There were many other people skilled in detection as well.

　From this large mismatch of people, it was clear just how on guard the Imperial Palace was.

　Archduke Ainz Ooal Gown.

　He was a magic caster too powerful to refuse and was a monster amongst monsters who could probably destroy several countries. His terrifying true face had engraved itself on Nimble’s heart.

　In comparison to that unrivalled power, it was not clear whether or not these measures would be effective, but still, they could not be lax.

　Receiving a signal, the doors before Nimble began to slowly open.

　Instantly, the surrounding people entered a state of caution. They pushed themselves to their limit and sought to discover the presence of any beings nearby.

　Nimble squeezed through the crack that was only wide enough to fit one person.

　Inside the room were Jircniv, one of the Four Knights, two bodyguards who were opening and closing the door, and the Head Magician and his subordinate. There were only these six people.

　The room was without windows, and so all of the light was magically produced, giving the room a stifling air. In fact, it felt as if the air inside had not circulated for months.

“….You’re a fool.”

　Those were Jircniv’s first words spoken to Nimble. Understanding what he meant, Nimble bowed deeply.

“Apologies, your Highness.”

“It was written in your report, but you were suppose to defend the maids and check how much Ainz was willing to adhere to Imperial Law.”

“It is just as you say. My deepest apologies.”

　Seeing Nimble’s apology, Jircniv heaved a deep sigh.

“….However, I can understand your thoughts. If Ainz gets angry, the Empire might be destroyed right?”

　It was precisely the case.

　Nimble was still terrified of Ainz.

　If that powerful spell that massacred the Kingdom was pointed towards the Empire, the country would end.

　That was why he had to give in. So that Ainz’s anger would not fall on the Empire.

“Well, I should have gone. It was because I left it to you that it failed. I cannot only blame you. This time cannot be helped. And in regards to the information you gained….”

　Nimble recalled the information that he had gotten from Narberal.

　There were several monsters who rivalled Ainz within Nazarick called Guardians. The most disloyal of them was a dark elf called Aura and was extremely out of place within Nazarick, which originally only had heteromorphs. And since she was on bad terms with the other more senior Guardians, she felt truly alone.

　She was working together with Ainz to ensure the safety of the dark elves.

　It was information that might give the Empire a fighting chance against Ainz.

　However, he felt uneasy about it. The reliability of this information was unclear. And so Nimble could not push Narberal to speak more and could only stop there.

“Look at this parchment.”

　Spreading open the parchment Jircniv tossed over, Nimble took a glance at it.

　There were several names written on it.

　Satsuki, higasii, Kuroru, Burning Heavens, Puurin, Lumesu, Doe that hates stinkbugs, Sora, Rata, Suigetsu, Emi, babakuma No. 1, Papa, baek, Oracle, Hello Hello, Mike

　However, Nimble recognised none of those names on the list. However, he instinctively understood that these were probably fake names. Basically, this list would be handed over to someone.

“These are the people who believe that siding with Ainz will be a trap. It seems that our country does have a few excellent people. Wonderful.”

　Jircniv had a satisfied smile on his face, and hearing his words, Nimble understood that the information he had learnt was a dangerous item handed over to him by Ainz.

　Nimble felt ashamed that he was unable to reach this conclusion by himself. That was why he asked a question in an attempt to redeem himself. If Ainz was able to predict their actions, then this might be a chance for them.

“Then should we use them to gain an advantage for ourselves?”

　Hearing his question Jircniv made a cool smile on his face.

“Of course not. That would be far too dangerous. Strategies are like sword fights. A single miss will lead to harm. However, what would be a scratch to the strong might be a fatal blow to the weak.”

　Or rather, the Archduke was able to repel anyone, no matter how much they polished their blade. Even the highest authority in the Empire, the Emperor Jircniv, found it difficult to deal Ainz a fatal blow with his poor quality weapons.

　Acutely sensing this, Nimble bowed his head deeply.

“And more importantly, Ainz has tied my hands and I cannot get any information. Ainz might be controlling the organisation, but anyhow I cannot investigate any further.”

“I see….”

　This suspicion that it might be a trap was completely suppressing the Empire’s possible actions.

　The Archduke was able to stall the Empire just by releasing such information to Nimble. And Jircniv was able to predict this. And the Empire’s retainers too were able to see through this.

“Ah well, so I can only put investigations on hold, and so I can only now try to peel away Ainz’s armour, or sharpen my own blades. Anyhow, let’s keep our ears to the ground to try to find any gaps.”

“Yes!”

“And earlier I have become aware of several people who want to start a coup. They are probably the ones who have been enraptured by Ainz’s power. Those people are on a different parchment. Investigate them, and depending on the situation, eliminate them.”

　It was not a metaphor. It was framing and then executing them. Jircniv was called the Blood Emperor precisely for this reason.

　There was no need for such people like Ray. Any people detrimental to the Empire would be immediately removed.

　As Nimble bowed, he could see that Jircniv’s eyes were cold and hard.