“…So the King of Darkness…is a potential enemy?”
“It seems like you get the idea. King of Darkness, Ainz Ooal Gown, is the empire’s enemy.”
“I see. Then once he looses his spell, knights will charge into the wound and tear it open even more. What level of magic will it be? I wonder. Something like Fireball?”
“We’re investigating because we don’t know, but it’s estimated that his attack magic is more powerful than Paradyne’s.”
Carvein’s eyes grew huge. But only for a moment.
“I see, I see. Well, I doubt he could possibly surpass that great caster, but if that’s how much power he has, then I can see why His Majesty would want to cultivate friendly relations with him at all costs.”
Nimble said nothing.
“If several hundred people died in a single attack, that would be quite a deep wound. That would be our chance to push into their territory. If he’s really that powerful, then perhaps we won’t lose as many knights.”
Nimble thought it would be great if that was how it worked out.
What he’d heard from his fellow knights in the Four, Lightning and Heavy Bomber, was that Ainz’s power was on another level and that he might be able to use a spell that could kill thousands at once, or tens of thousands if they were bunched up. It sounded unlikely, but if it were those two saying it, there was a high probability it was true.
Carvein was right that the deaths of the professional warriors who kept the peace in the empire would be a huge loss.
Nimble would have been happier if their potential enemy Ainz was powerless, but in this case, he wanted to believe his friends.
“Oh, General. There was one more favor I wanted to ask. The King of Darkness will bring soldiers with him, so please allow them to fight alongside you.”
“Oh? How many thousands are we talking?”
“Well—”
“I’m terribly sorry to interrupt, General Carvein, Sir Nimble!” someone shouted from outside the tent.
Carvein apologized to Nimble with a look and shouted toward the entrance. “Permission to enter granted!”
The one who came in was a fairly high-ranking knight.
“What is it? It must be an emergency?”
“Sir! A carriage bearing the flag of the King of Darkness has arrived before the gate. We’re being asked to open it. Shall we welcome them as you ordered?”
The knight was looking to Nimble, at whom Carvein then glanced. In response, Nimble gave a nod. “…Understood. Let it through at once.”
“Yes, sir! Should we inspect the carriage first?”
No matter who was inside, they couldn’t let a carriage into the garrison without inspecting it. A basic inspection included using magic to make sure there weren’t any illusions being used as disguises.
In the kingdom, they didn’t go as far as to use magic during their inspections. Probably the only place that had a rule like this was the empire, where magic was a pillar of the state. They knew how terrifying magic could be, so their guard against it was high.
Moreover, at a major military facility like this, they were using the cutting edge in magic technology. If the technology that supported the future of the country was to be leaked, it would be a devastating loss for the empire. That was why the system was set up so that even if Emperor Jircniv came, they performed the same inspection.
Thus, even if it hailed from an allied country—no, precisely because it was from an allied country—examining the carriage was the usual course of action.
But there were some situations that wouldn’t allow for that.
Carvein looked at Nimble again.
Pained by a leaden feeling and a slight pressure in his stomach, plus the weight of the object in his breast pocket, Nimble replied, “General Carvein. I’m truly sorry, but this man is a very important visitor for the empire. This is an extraordinary irregularity among irregularities, an exception among exceptions, but please just let him in.”
The general’s gentle smile changed to a blank look, and the color drained out of his face.
He realized the knight was taking Nimble’s order over his head.
No matter how kind a person, there weren’t many who would be happy to have their subordinate take orders from someone else.
And Nimble understood that very well. But it had to be done.
If all else fails…
As he was wondering whether to take out the item in his breast pocket, Carvein spoke.
“I can’t argue if it’s His Imperial Majesty’s orders. It’s his country, after all.”
“I’m glad you understand, General.”
In his pocket were written orders from the emperor. The writing on the parchment gave the person named therein the authority of the emperor. That granted Nimble authority over anything and everything that was associated with the war. Not only did it make Nimble higher ranking than Carvein for the duration of this conflict, he could even dismiss the general if the situation called for it.
Relieved that his friendly relationship hadn’t broken down with the older man he respected, he also reined in his emotions because now wasn’t the time.
“Well, shall we have a look at this King of Darkness the emperor treats as such an exception? He must be a match for the great heroes.”
Personally, Nimble didn’t really want to go.
Recalling the warnings of the other Four—well, only three now, including himself—his face became somber. But there was no way he could choose to not go. “Of course I’ll accompany you, General Carvein.”
At the edge of the barracks, a single magnificent carriage was quietly proceeding under the guidance of a knight. Surprisingly, there was no driver, and the horses weren’t anything like normal horses. They weren’t sleipnirs, either, but magical beasts with scales.
Nimble alerted the knights in the area, as well as Carvein. “Your deepest bows, please.”
What? was the expression on all of their faces. Nimble understood the feeling very well.
One’s deepest bow was correct protocol for welcoming the king of an allied country.
But for a visit to a military base, there was no established protocol. Or rather, it was assumed such a visit would never happen.
It was extraordinarily rare to be so open, even when both parties were human, because conflicts breaking out between countries were simply reality.
The deepest bows were for ceremonies in public, in safety, not at military bases. That had to be what the soldiers were thinking.
There was one more thing.
The deepest bows were almost never given on the battlefield.
Most likely because if someone saw their commander giving the deepest possible bow, they might mistake the person on the receiving end as a superior commander. It was an unspoken rule on the battlefield.
He understood the knights’ feelings so much it pained him, but…
“Everyone, your deepest bows, please.”
He repeated it with a steely voice.
He heard Carvein sigh.
“You heard him. We’re welcoming this carriage with our deepest bows.”
When Carvein gave the order, the confused knights seemed relieved. If it was an order, all they had to do was obey. No thinking on their part was necessary.
Nimble gave him a grateful glance and saw a snide look on his face for just a moment, as if he was saying, You have it tough, but I have it tougher.
The carriage came to a halt in front of the party.
They all gasped for two reasons.
First was how magnificent the carriage was. The primary color was a black that gleamed as if it had been cut from the sea at night, and the frame was covered with elaborate gold accents. But the metal fixtures had the dull shine particular to brass, and the leather displayed a sophisticated coppery hue, so the overall effect was elegant. Perhaps the ornamentation was a bit showy, but the carriage radiated such refinement that it seemed natural. Calling it a treasure chest wouldn
’t be far off.
Nimble had ridden in the emperor’s carriage many times, so he could state with confidence that this one was grander.
The other reason they couldn’t help but gasp was the horses. No, they weren’t horses. Sharp fangs peeked out of their growling mouths. Reptilian scales coated their bodies completely, and beneath those rippled abnormally robust muscles.
It was like overpowering violence had been molded into the shape of a horse.
An acute sense of caution filled the area. Nimble himself was breathing heavily and felt sweat ooze from his back and hands. The magical beasts seemed shockingly strong.
As he was breathing raggedly in and out, the carriage’s door opened.
A dark elf girl got out.
His mind went blank.
Everyone was speechless, their eyes caught.
The girl, holding a black staff, was lovely. She was so beautiful that once she grew up, she would captivate many; undoubtedly, some men would do anything for her love. Her timid expression was reminiscent of a flower blooming stunningly in the moonlight.
But she had equipment on her hands that didn’t match her appearance.
Gauntlets.
The one on her left hand looked like something she’d pulled off some evil creature like a demon. The sinister shape was colored mainly in black. Twisted thorns jutted out with sharp points. Though it seemed to be made of metal, it had a grimy sparkle to it, like it was emitting some bizarre secretion. Just the sight of it sent horror coursing through Nimble’s body, like his very soul rejected the sight of it.
On her right hand, however, was a gauntlet reminiscent of a pure, innocent girl. It had a smooth make with a base color of snow white. Mysterious gold patterns ran the length of it, but even that decoration served only to further its beauty. This was what it meant to be captivated. It was like standing before a peerlessly beautiful woman—the gauntlet seemed about to suck in his soul.
“Oh, uh, Lord Ainz, it seems that we’ve arrived.”
“I see. Thanks, Mare.”
Then someone else appeared.
For a moment, the air stagnated.
Everyone got goose bumps at once. The presence flooding the area was different from someone’s intent to kill but difficult to describe.
Ainz Ooal Gown was dressed like many arcane casters. First, a raven-black robe. Then a cape on top of that, also black—this was strange, yes. Next, the staff he held, which was splendidly ornate but not to the point of gaudiness. Around his neck hung a necklace featuring a jewel that sparkled silver, and his face was covered with a weird mask.
“We humbly welcome you, King of Darkness, Ainz Ooal Gown.”
Nimble bowed, but he didn’t hear anyone else.
Though he knew it was rude, he moved his head to look behind him and saw that the general and the other knights were all still standing stiff as rods.
Overawed by the King of Darkness’s presence, they couldn’t move.
He understood how they felt, but it was a problem.
It was the general, as expected, who offered a helping hand when Nimble began to panic.
“Men!” Carvein barked. It was the tone of a commander, more imposing than anyone would have imagined from this man with such an aristocratic aura. “Your deepest bows for the King of Darkness!”
“Yes, sir!”
A multitude of voices acknowledged the order as they all offered their deepest bows together.
“I appreciate the welcome…famous knights of the empire.”
The King of Darkness’s utterly normal voice was conversely creepy. There was a strange incongruity, like he was putting in a lot of effort to act like a normal person. At least that was the strong sense Nimble got—because he had heard what was lying under the mask.
“Raise your heads.”
No one raised their heads the first time he said it.
“Won’t you raise your heads?”
The second time, they did. Only for the ruler of their own country would they wait for a third.
“King of Darkness, please forgive those who did not immediately raise their heads.” He shifted his gaze and saw that the knights’ lips were white, their faces pale. “It seems they’ve forgotten themselves in their joy at meeting you.”
“No, I apologize. It seems I got a little excited here before the battlefield. Please know that it was not my intention to direct it at you.”
Ainz whipped aside the cape that had been draped over his shoulder. The raven-black fabric fluttered audibly as it spread out, almost like black wings. That same instant, whatever had been enveloping the area in what could be called a chill or heaviness melted away until nothing was left.
Standing before them was someone with the presence of any normal human.
Terrifying.
That was Nimble’s genuine impression.
He had heard from his fellow knights what a monster this was. The fact that he could seem so normal made him all the more frightening. It was like a large predatory beast was slowly sidling up to them.
Even the knights who didn’t know the details must have been struck by the abnormality of the situation. Confusion hung in the air. From Carvein, Nimble sensed comprehension. He must have understood what attitude he needed to take with this person before him, not with his mind but with his heart and soul.
“My name is Nimble Arc Dale Anoch, and I will guide you to the site of your camp.”
“Oh? Well, I’m sorry to trouble you, but thanks.”
“You are quite welcome. Then allow me to introduce a commander of the imperial army, General Carvein.”
“My name is Carvein. King of Darkness, Ainz Ooal Gown. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the base, I am at your service, and know that it will be handled immediately. I’d like to offer a few knights as attendants…”
“That won’t be necessary. I have my subordinate here.” Ainz pointed at the dark elf girl. “And if anything goes wrong, I’ll take care of it myself within reason.”
Carvein stiffened.
Behind his offer was the intention of attaching some monitors to make sure the caster didn’t do anything strange. They were in a military compound, after all.
But the reply he received was a flat refusal. Only someone with power would be able to give such an answer.
But Carvein, in his position, couldn’t let that go. At this rate, they wouldn’t get anywhere no matter how far they went.
Nimble was mentally on Carvein’s side, but there was no way he could answer those feelings with action.
“I see… Well, if you need anything, please let us know. That’s how we’ll do it, General Carvein.”
“Understood.”
“Oh… I forgot something.”
“What is it, King of Darkness?”
“The plan is for one of my spells to start the war, but I was thinking about having part of my army join the battle. I’d appreciate your permission.”
“That is more than we could have hoped for…” As he had been briefed earlier, Carvein accepted it immediately. But he did furrow his brow. “However, the fight will begin within the next few days, possibly as early as the day after tomorrow. How far away are your forces? I’m afraid we won’t be able to wait for them…”
“That’s no problem. They’re already nearby.”
Nimble wondered about that. He hadn’t spotted anything even resembling an army anywhere near the garrison.
It seemed like Carvein wondered the same thing. Naturally, there was a thick security net of knights patrolling the perimeter. If anyone but imperial forces approached, word would have surely reached the general. He looked to his subordinates in the area, his eyes asking if they had mismanaged any reports, but none of them seemed to have heard anything.
“Sorry. It may have been misleading to say they’re nearby. What I meant is, they can be here at any time.”
“I see…” Carvein didn’t understand, but he decided to set it aside and asked a different question. “And
how many are there?”
“About five hundred, I’d say.”
“Five hundred?” Carvein skillfully hid it, but Nimble didn’t miss his disappointment. “Carvein, the King of Darkness’s forces can be lined up alongside ours, correct?”
The empire had to shed the most blood to demonstrate its loyalty to Ainz. It would be preferable if his forces acted only in case of an emergency, but there would be no problems if they formed ranks together.
“Five hundred shouldn’t require a change to our formation, and I’m sure you would like your own soldiers to guard you.”
The implication was, Please don’t participate aggressively in the attack. To show the empire’s sincerity, it had to be the party shedding the blood. It wouldn’t help their positions if Ainz’s forces did all the heavy lifting.
Ainz nodded in satisfaction at Nimble’s comment. Nimble was secretly relieved, but when he thought about it, it was only natural. What could he expect to do with five hundred soldiers anyhow? They were probably meant more as an honor guard than anything.
But what happened next was beyond anything Nimble had imagined.
Ainz activated some kind of spell and spoke into space. “Can you hear me? Shalltear? Open a Gate here and send over the troops.” Ainz’s eyes seemed to move behind his mask.
“All right, General, I’ve summoned my army.”
As he finished speaking, the commotion began.
Something that appeared to be a dark half circle appeared, floating behind Ainz.
Gate. The word flickered across Nimble’s mind.
The gate opened, and the figures who emerged were…
—All noise ceased.
A strange atmosphere and a heavy silence dominated the space. It was as if the sound of stillness had flooded the area.
The five hundred soldiers appeared. It was a paltry amount compared to the empire’s sixty thousand. But it was impossible to underestimate a single one of them.
The odd forces arrayed before them spoke louder than words.
“This is my army.” Ainz merrily introduced his troops to the speechless onlookers.
The Caster of Destruction Page 16
