The Caster of Destruction

by Kugane Maruyama

  Hearing this, Fluder leaned forward.

  Whether it was because he was in charge of the emperor’s education or because he loved to talk about magic, he tended to join conversations at times like these, his eyes glittering. The problem was that he had a tendency to drone on forever—Jircniv made a bored face in a way that only Baswood and Reaunet could notice.

  “It is. The tier-five faith spell Raise Dead depletes a large amount of life force. Supposedly at higher tiers, less vitality is required, but…it’s believed no one can use such an advanced spell. I’ve heard that ancient magic of the dragonlords can bring someone back without loss of life force—”

  “So can the queen of the Dragon Kingdom do that?”

  “Good question, Vermilion. It’s said that she can use ancient magic, also known by other names such as primeval magic or spirit magic, since it’s public knowledge that she has blood of the Brightness Dragonlord in her. But whether or not she can perform resurrections is a mystery. The structure of primeval magic is completely different from today’s techniques, so there’s no way for those of us who can only use modern magic to know.”

  When Fluder finished speaking, he glanced at Jircniv. Concerned his annoyed face had been noticed, Jircniv panicked for a moment but relaxed when he heard Fluder’s next words…

  “I’d really like to do some research on ancient magic… If someone with the blood of the Brightness Dragonlord can use it, then lineage is clearly an important factor. If you take an empress, I think you should choose someone close to that queen…”

  “Give me a break, Gramps. I have no interest in that old piece of mutton trying to pass as a lamb.”

  He was absolutely not marrying his second-most-hated woman. And although he didn’t have any love for his children, he wasn’t so cruel as to consign them to a life as guinea pigs.

  Although, when weighed against the benefits the country would reap…

  Just then, there was a knock on the carriage door.

  For defense against detection by intelligence magic and physical attacks, the carriage was metal plated. Consequently, it had no windows. Baswood opened the door slightly to take a look outside—or more accurately, to check who was knocking.

  As long as they were surrounded by knights, it had to be an ally, but it never hurt to be cautious.

  “Your Imperial Majesty, it’s Leinas.”

  “Open the door.”

  When the door opened, in blew fresh air off the plain, causing the hair of the humans inside to stir slightly. Given the season, the wind should have been cold, but the air that entered the carriage was a warm, comfortable temperature. It went without saying that it was due to magic.

  The one riding alongside the carriage was the woman who had been at the head of the line earlier.

  “Excuse me, Your Imperial Majesty. I—”

  It was hard to hear her over the wind.

  “We can’t talk like this. Get in. Forget the conventions.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty. Then allow me to join you.”

  With that, she nimbly leaped off her horse and landed in the doorway of the carriage as it continued rolling along. She acted as if this was nothing special, but considering how she was clad in plate armor and her horse was moving at a full gallop, her athleticism was readily apparent. That was only natural. She was one of the Four—Heavy Bomber Leinas Rockbruise.

  Once she was inside the carriage, she quietly shut the door and took a seat next to Baswood. As the door closed, they could see that one of the guards outside, running alongside the carriage, had taken the reins of her horse.

  The spell cast on the carriage merely maintained a comfortably warm air temperature, which meant it had no effect on coming into direct contact with something cold; Leinas’s metal armor had been subjected to the frigid air outside. When that chilly lump settled down next to Baswood, he shivered.

  “We received a Message from a scout who’s up ahead.”

  One of the defensive spells cast on the carriage shielded it from intelligence magic. This helped keep them concealed, but one issue was that spells like Message were also blocked. Therefore, it had been decided that the head guard, Leinas, would receive and convey any incoming Messages.

  “The vanguard has reached the Great Tomb of Nazarick. They were welcomed upon telling the maids at the log cabin what time you would arrive.”

  “Maids? I thought it was a subterranean tomb… Maids? Maids, huh…? Is it that thing where…? Like, I heard in some countries maids were buried with the king to continue serving him after death. Is that it? Or did dark elves who left the forest move into the tomb?”

  “Unfortunately, the Message didn’t go into that much detail, Your Imperial Majesty.”

  “…I just don’t get it. The forest isn’t part of the human realm, so there’s no known history, but… Well, I want to believe they won’t act like those monsters who visited the imperial palace, but tell our troops to stay on their toes.”

  “It’s just as you say, Your Imperial Majesty. Considering the power of those messengers, we may be heading into an unknown world. Please exercise caution. If anything happens, please come for me directly.”

  “You mean run away using Teleportation if it comes to that?”

  Fluder’s smile was affirmative.

  “We’ll buy you the time you need. No matter how many opponents there are, we’ll make sure Your Imperial Majesty has enough time to escape.”

  Baswood grinned, but Leinas didn’t say anything. It was less tacit agreement and more silent disapproval, but no one said anything.

  For starters, she was one of the Four, but she hadn’t sworn allegiance to Jircniv. Serving Jircniv merely benefited her as well; if someone who could better grant her wishes appeared, she would immediately abandon her current position.

  In other words, Leinas was his least loyal knight.

  Since the Four had been selected on strength alone, personality and devotion weren’t considered significant factors, but it was true that no one was less dedicated than her.

  The reason he had brought her along to command his guards despite that was because he needed to leave Storm Wind Nimble Arc Dale Anoch behind, meaning he had no choice. If Unshakable were still around, he probably would have been here instead of Heavy Bomber.

  “Excuse me one moment.” Leinas took a handkerchief out of her pocket and brought it to the right side of her face. The thing that looked like a golden cloth covering half her face was actually her hairstyle; she wiped beneath it.

  When she finished, the handkerchief had been stained yellow—it was soaked with pus.

  “I’m going to put myself first, so I’m sorry, but please forgive me.”

  “Yeah, that’s fine. That’s what I promised when I had you become one of the Four—or rather, it’s the deal we made.”

  “I see. That’s what you’ll all be doing, then? In that case, I’ll just curl into a little ball somewhere and stay out of your way,” Reaunet declared in all seriousness, trying to change the mood. He got a laugh.

  “So at our current speed, how many more hours until we reach Nazarick?”

  In response to Jircniv’s question, Reaunet took a watch out of his pocket and checked the time. Then he looked at Leinas and waited for her to nod before speaking. “Everything is going according to plan, so we should be there in about an hour.”

  “Is that so? Well, I’m looking forward to it. Shall we see what this Ainz Ooal Gown is really like?”

  2

  Jircniv’s carriage slowed and came to a halt. Still, he couldn’t disembark immediately. It was a bother, but a certain degree of preparation was necessary to maintain the proper decorum.

  Normally that would be the responsibility of his servants. Perhaps it would have been better to wait for the other carriage carrying the maids, but they didn’t have that kind of time. After all, Jircniv had come to apologize. It wouldn’t be very smart to keep the messengers waiting.

  After straightening his clothes, Jirc
niv donned his cape. It was an extremely valuable item made from the pelt of a magical beast imbued with defensive magic. Once he put that on, no matter how cold it was outside, he wouldn’t feel a thing.

  After securing his scepter on his hip, the bare minimum of preparations was complete.

  Jircniv examined himself once more to make sure his appearance wouldn’t be embarrassing.

  He was about to engage in verbal warfare with Ainz Ooal Gown. The word embarrassing wouldn’t cut it if there were any blemishes in what was essentially his combat gear. Jircniv would have loved it if his opponent underestimated him due to poor observation, but he couldn’t allow it to happen because his clothes were shabby.

  Then, right as Jircniv nodded in satisfaction, a knock sounded as if on cue.

  “All right, Your Imperial Majesty. I’ll exit first.”

  “Thanks.”

  Following the brief exchange, Baswood reached for the door.

  He opened it grandly, in a manner worthy of the carriage transporting the empire’s supreme ruler. Just in case, Reaunet shielded Jircniv, putting his body squarely in the opening.

  Beyond Baswood, Jircniv caught a glimpse of their surroundings.

  The first thing that registered was the grass. Then he noticed the guards lined up facing one another. Farther back, he could see a swelling in the ground like a hill, along with a massive barred gate that seemed to be partially buried underground.

  So is that the entrance to the Great Tomb of Nazarick? This is different from what I heard…but I guess it’s within an acceptable margin of error.

  Following Baswood, who lined up with the rest of the guards, Jircniv exited the carriage.

  He took a deep breath. Although the fresh air flowing into his lungs must have been cold, Jircniv, protected by his magic garments, felt only the pleasantness of the optimal warmth.

  With a heavy exhale, he turned to look at his subordinates.

  Fluder’s leading disciples with their robes and staves…

  Faith casters attached to the knight order, their sigils around their necks…

  The guards standing at attention, among them the scouts who had arrived in advance…

  Personally, he wanted to know what kind of people they met, but given the current circumstances, that wasn’t an option.

  The maids and the contents of one other carriage weren’t outside yet.

  Well, they are gifts, so that makes sense. Okay, so the log cabin place must be inside the gate…? Oh wait, it must be that, I guess.

  When he looked to the left, he spotted a single-story log cabin. It appeared so out of place compared to the grass and the graves that he couldn’t help but grin awkwardly. Where did the wood to build it come from in the first place? He could see the Azerlisia Mountains off in the distance and remembered the Tove Woodlands extending around them.

  Did they haul it all the way out here? I don’t know how great the distance is, but it must have been a lot of work.

  It wasn’t as if Jircniv knew very much about log cabins, but it didn’t seem like a terribly magnificent building. That said, considering the surroundings, perhaps the fact that a building existed at all was impressive.

  …That front door is awfully huge. Is it a double door? And why is it so tall? It practically goes up three stories. Did this used to be a storehouse or something?

  As Jircniv gazed at the log cabin, Baswood and Leinas lined up to his right and Reaunet and Fluder across from them.

  “Your Imperial Majesty, shall we bring the others out of their carriages?”

  Reaunet had leaned in to ask, but Jircniv answered without looking. “No. We don’t need them yet. More importantly—”

  Jircniv’s answer didn’t cut off because the log cabin door opened. It was because two gorgeous women came out.

  They wore orthodox maid uniforms. The outfits seemed well made, but he didn’t think much else about them. The women’s almost abnormally symmetrical features, though, surprised even Jircniv, who had met a fair number of beautiful princesses. The sight of the creatures gripped his heart.

  How incredibly…lovely. But…

  The pair was extremely good-looking; if they had been the daughters of a noble in the empire, he would have showered them with his highest praises. He might have even considered them for a spot within his inner palace. But this was a tomb in the middle of a plain. Their presence here made no sense and gave him the intense feeling that something was wrong.

  He heard someone quietly suck their teeth on his right, but he didn’t have time to pay attention to that now.

  “Hey, Gramps, are they an illusion by any chance?”

  “Hmm, I’m not sure, but they don’t seem to be.”

  “Then are they human? It seems obvious they’re not dark elves, but…”

  “Hmm, I’m not sure about that, either…but they probably aren’t human.”

  Hearing that made Jircniv feel a bit better. If they weren’t human, it wasn’t nearly as strange for them to be in this place.

  The answer made sense; he could accept it without issue.

  The two maids bowed, and the one with her hair up spoke.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting, Your Imperial Majesty, Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix. I’ve been entrusted with welcoming you all. My name is Yuri Alpha. And the one behind me is here as my assistant. Her name is Lupusregina Beta. We’ll only accompany you for a short while, but I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”

  Having been given some time to get over his shock, Jircniv had enough presence of mind to at least reply. “I appreciate the courteous introduction. I heartily thank Sir Ainz Ooal Gown for sending such beautiful ladies to greet us. And there’s no need for you to use my formal titles. Here, I am simply another person, so feel free to be friendlier and call me Jir. No, I insist.” He directed an affable smile at Yuri.

  Even though any woman would normally be moved by Jircniv’s face, Yuri’s stony expression remained unbroken. He had been paying close attention to her eyes to see how she would react, but he did not notice even the slightest ripple.

  Was he not her type? Or was she one of those girls who didn’t mix business and pleasure? Maybe it was because she was currently busy serving her master?

  I can’t get a read on her. I wanted to at least make a somewhat good impression, but I guess it’ll be tough. I’m pretty confident I make good company for a woman, though… Oh, if what Gramps said is true, then maybe she’s not human. Then perhaps to a woman of a different species, I’m… But what race is she? From the looks of her, it’d be a close relative of humans, but…

  He had no idea what her true identity was.

  But between those two dark elves and these two maids, Ainz Ooal Gown must be a sucker for looks. In that case, anyone who doesn’t surpass these two is worthless…

  Jircniv thought of the women waiting in the other carriage.

  They were the daughters of nobles, all beautiful enough that Jircniv could boast, and he had brought them along to present to Ainz Ooal Gown as a gift. The girls knew what would happen to their families if they disobeyed his orders, so after a tearful farewell, they had come here prepared, but…

  I guess it was pointless. But maybe they’ll be happy to hear that he won’t need them, since he has more beautiful companions already. Or maybe they’ll have mixed feelings about that, as women? Maybe I should have looked for some elves to serve as a gift instead…

  He knew there were elf slaves in the empire, but the reason he didn’t seek them out was because he didn’t have enough time, and also because he planned to use them in future dealmaking—not with Ainz Ooal Gown but with Mare in secret negotiations.

  If he could strip that timid little girl bare and find out what made her tick, he suspected he could get her to do his bidding.

  In exchange for liberating enslaved members of a closely related race, I could ask her to do me simple favors behind Gown’s back. Then I could threaten her with the fact that she has been keeping secrets fro
m her master and get her to carry out minor requests. After that, I’d just keep increasing my grip on her. That was my plan, but…

  As Jircniv was reviewing his unhatched chickens, Yuri addressed him.

  “You jest. Our master, Lord Ainz Ooal Gown, ordered us to extend the highest courtesies to Your Imperial Majesty, so please forgive me if I let your kindness go to waste.”

  “Is that right? Well, that’s too bad,” Jircniv joked with a shrug of his shoulders. “But whenever you like is fine. Speaking of Sir Gown, where is he?”

  “He’s currently getting ready to meet you. Please wait here a little longer.”

  “I see. Where can we wait? In the log cabin?”

  “No, here, please.”

  Jircniv looked up at the sky. It didn’t seem like it was going to rain, but the sky was covered in dark clouds—it definitely couldn’t be called good weather. Moreover, though Jircniv himself couldn’t feel the cold, it was still winter.

  What would she have to be thinking to make guests wait outside? She was probably trying to send a message about who was superior.

  Jircniv had already been relegated to the lower position when he had been summoned to Gown’s residence to apologize. With this follow-up blow, it seemed Gown was quite devious.

  “I see.” He narrowed his eyes. “Understood. Then I’ll return to my carriage and wait there.”

  Jircniv sensed indignation well up in the eyes of several guards. They must have thought it was rude to keep an emperor waiting, even if this was a neighboring country and the territory of a potentially hostile force.

  But no one said a word. If their master accepted it, it wasn’t their place to object. Or…

  Is it because they know what kinds of atrocities those dark elves are capable of? If that’s the case, I’ll have to keep my wits about me when dealing with Gown. They drove a wedge between us in a single blow. Even if that was some kind of once-in-a-lifetime power, who would be able to tell us that? The fact that they’re just children is also huge. It makes a strong impression when kids can cause so much damage.