Overlord (WN) - Chapter 77: Gaiden: Come Everyone to [Demiurge’s Ranch]
Hi guys, the next chapter is twice as long. YAY……..f**k. Also the chapter names are in the Chapters page. So if you want teasers look there.
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.
(Next Chapter)