Overlord (WN) - Vol2 Chapter 27

Jet, with Nemel alongside him, had his back facing the morning sun and was walking towards the Academy. But although it was morning, it was considered quite late, since it was 8am. Most of the people walking down the streets had already finished a task or two, or at least it seemed to be suggested by their faces of fatigue and fulfilment.

Certainly, life in the city did not begin any earlier than that in the village.

But that said, 8am was a time too late for people to begin their day, for it was the time when people were hunkering down for breakfast after finishing up their first tasks. The cafeterias were bustling with people, filled up with those wolfing down their meals.

And for that reason, the main street was not completely crowded with people.

Jet tried to cover his mouth but failed to prevent letting out a large yawn. He wiped the tears seeping out of the corners of his eyes.

“You sound really sleepy. Did you sleep later than usual yesterday?”

Nemel, his childhood friend walking beside him, asked out of concern.

Normally, you wouldn’t ask about a simple yawn right?

Nemel knew that Jet often worked till late in the night to make ends meet in order to support himself and his sick mother. For that, she was used to seeing a yawn or two from Jet. But, this was already the sixth one since they left home, so of course it became a topic of concern.

“….Yeah…. A bit….”

Jet stopped there because he was at a loss. No matter what he said, Nemel would still remain worried. And today was an important day. So in a voice just lively enough to not sound fake, Jet replied.

“I was too nervous to sleep last night. Haven’t you felt this way before? I mean for the test, we’ve got to figure out a way to survive against the monsters out there for so many days.”

Yes, today marked the start of the examination.

The contents of the exam were to go on a several-day journey outside of the Capital. Naturally, the knights patrolled the Empire’s territories, and so the chance that they would encounter a monster was extremely low, but yet, it was not a certainty.

“Y, yes. You’re right, it’s really a bit scary”

There was a slight tinge of fear in her voice, where if he had not known her for so long, Jet would have missed it.

(Shit! What am I scaring her for! Erm—)

“O, oh. Ah, come on, that’s not true. We have Paradyne-sama on our team. There’s no other team as safe as—.”

“If only the others will be safe too…. Why do we even have this exam? Back then…. Just a few years ago, it seems that there wasn’t even such a test….”

Hearing that depressed voice of hers, Jet was ashamed at his own stupidity.

He had not been sleeping well for the past few days, causing his brain to function slower than usual. He sounded as if he did not care about her feelings.

Jet was panicking. He did not want to sound like he was comforting her, lest that worsen her fear. Instead, he tried to disguise the ideal case as facts.

“The rest of them will surely be safe. They will be accompanied by Imperial Knights after all. Also, I heard there will be healers travelling together too. Don’t worry, we will happily reunite again in a few days.”

Travelling with the Imperial Knights indeed lowered the risk significantly. Moreover, people with rogue and priest skills were present as well. It was as if whole adventuring parties would be following them. Their safety was secured.

“I guess you’re right. The knights will definitely protect us.”

Nemel smiled, but Jet knew that she had forced herself.

This was natural.

Since the knights were present in the first place, it meant that there was a risk of casualties.

A perfectly safe trip simply didn’t exist.

The world outside the cities and villages was not the world of men. The further from civilization they went, the larger the danger. Indeed, the chances of a monster encounter were low with the patrols, but the point of this expedition was to head into the more dangerous grounds.

And not all the students could use magic. There were those who could not use it, and even those who did not even know how to swing a sword. Even if they encountered mere goblins, if they managed to slip past the front lines, they could easily kill the students.

It was entirely possible for the student body to lose a few members, and there were some rumours about that actually happening before.

(After all…. They don’t have a great magic caster on their team….)

Having brought up the possibility that they might never see their classmates again, the already heavy atmosphere grew even worse. That said, his body again acted involuntarily, letting out yet another huge yawn.

“Hey, Jet…. Have you not been sleeping well?”

For a moment, Jet did not grasp her words. He simply faced his childhood friend with a blank expression.

“You seem to be developing eyebags. Is there something troubling you?”

He felt like his heart just skipped a beat.

In an attempt to regain his composure, and fix his expressions, he shook his head.

“No, not really—”

“—It began after the ball, right? What happened? Is it something you can’t say?”

Nemel interrupted his futile attempts to hide his current state, and Jet felt the heat rising to his face as he realised that Nemel knew him well.

Indeed. Ever since the ball, he had not been able to sleep well. He was constantly plagued by nightmares, to the point where he wondered if he was cursed.

“….N, not at all. I’ve simply been having nightmares….”

“Is that so….” Nemel fell silent for a few seconds, but she balled her hands into fists as she found her determination and pressed on with her questions. “Is it something you can’t say?”

Jet gulped and nodded.

“Ah. It’s impossible. I can’t tell anyone else.”

“Even Paradyne-sama?”

“….Ah. I can’t. It’s something I have to solve by myself.”

He was lying.

He could not solve it.

He could not do anything about it.

And he could not tell anyone.

That terrifying monster had threatened him to not tell anyone, and he had no choice but to obey.

He indeed could use some magic, but he was not a hero. He was not even an adventurer. He was simply a normal person.

He recalled the nightmare he had last night.

He had told Fluder Paradyne about what happened, and he made preparations to destroy that monster. However, their opponent had made the first move and had turned most of the citizens of the Capital into undead. This swarm of undead attacked the remaining humans, converting more to their ranks. Fluder had suppressed them with his overwhelming power, but Jet had gone on his own to check on his mother and Nemel.

And when he returned home, he found himself attacked by the now undead pair of Nemel and his mother.

Most of the nightmares he had were of a similar nature.

And he knew why he was having them.

On one side of the scales was the citizens of the Empire, on the other side was Nemel and his mother.

The side he was leaning more towards, was the one with fewer people.

If Jet had to choose between strangers and the people he knew, he would choose the latter. He was different from those who loved humanity or the saints who professed that all people were equal in the eyes of the gods.

However, the problem was if he could put his trust in that monster’s promise.

“Fuu….”

As a sigh escaped his mouth, Jet noticed that Nemel was gazing worried at him, and so he flashed a smile. As long as he could ease her worries, even just a bit, he would be happy.

However, sensing his unease hidden beneath, Nemel’s expression did not brighten.

“So, can I…. N, noo. Can you not even tell Arche-Nee-san?”

He wanted to tell her everything. That a terrifying undead had sneaked into the Capital and Academy. One that hated the living, and wanted to spread fear and despair.

But—

“I can’t. Sorry.”

“N, noo. Sorry for asking the impossible.”

Jet bit his lip and looked up at the sky. It shone a clear bright blue. It was almost too painful to look at.

“It will be fine. It’s definitely fine. So there’s no need to worry.”

While he was looking at Nemel, he was not sure if he was actually trying to convince himself.

◆◆◆

There were more people than usual leaving and entering the school gates. There were merchants who were transporting their crates of goods, and knights dressed in full plate.

“Then, let’s quickly head over to the meeting spot.”

“Yeah. We need to begin preparations soon.”

They began to walk towards the rendezvous point. There was no need for them to visit their classroom for the moment they walked underneath the gates, they would begin the exam. Everything they did from then on would be evaluated.

The Academy was filled with an unbelievable fervour, and the voices of students melded together into a constant bustling noise.

The seriousness that the students treated the exam with had transformed into excitement.

Their promotion to the next grade was a certainty the moment they successfully gathered members. As such, there was technically nothing wrong with slacking off for a bit. However, not a single student had that attitude.

The score they received for this exam would be listed on their graduation papers. Of course, if they achieved good scores on this exam, even if they did badly on their paper tests, they would be thought of as people who thrived under stressful conditions. And of course, the opposite also applied.

This was an event that would decide their future, so of course the students were filled with excitement.

As if energised from this charged atmosphere, their pace slowly increased.

There were many different ways to gain points. One could gain them if they defeated a monster, where the strength of the monster determined the number of points. Of course, if one did not finish their preparations and left after the scheduled time, their points would fall.

And those who left earlier would gain them.

Arriving quickly, they saw a girl waiting for them, with one hand holding a rolled-up piece of parchment.

“You two are early.”

Tapping the parchment on her shoulders, Ornesty Eizel greeted the two.

“Anyway, I’ve handled the luggage already, so could I trouble you with the other things? I would be really happy if you could get some leather enough for everyone but…. Oh, I’ve already borrowed the covered wagon and so don’t worry about that.”

Ornesty gestured towards the parchment. It was probably the related form or receipt.

Jet had no problem with her handling the luggage. Or rather, the only one within their group who had travelling experience was her, while Jet and Nemel only knew the theory of it.

The other two members, Fluder and Nabe had travelled before, they always travelled with a complete array of magic items and thus could not help with the preparation. Or rather, there was no way that they could trouble Fluder with such menial tasks.

“Although you said it’s prepared, all of the food is probably still piled up in the wagon, right? It was hard on you to do it all alone right? I’ll help you out.”

“There’s no problem. I can use spells like <Floating Board> and so it was a breeze.”

Although his help was refused, he was about to ask again for the sake of politeness, but Ornesty spoke before he could do so.

“I can handle these preparations by myself. The two of you should do stuff that only the two of you can do. Nemel-san is responsible for the management of maps right? I believe that it will be best to get the information as soon as possible, possibly from our seniors.”

“Y, yes. I’ll do so.”

“Please do. Let us all do what we can. Now, please excuse me.”

Spitting out her words in rapid-fire succession, Ornesty waved her hands and began walking away.

Sending off the storm, Nemel began to mumble.

“Hmm, was Ornesty always like that?”

“Well…. I did not think that she was the type to take the initiative like that but…. It doesn’t seem like she was bullied at all….”

Her bullied and frightened attitude had completely disappeared. Just a few days ago Ornesty was quiet and bumbling. While her tone had not changed, the speed at which spoke did, and the air about her had completely changed. If someone told him that she was just acting, he would be unable to refute them.

(It started after the ball…. It’s like she took off her mask, and we can see a sliver of her true face….)

“Is it because we’ve become closer?”

“Ah, that’s a possibility. Maybe she’s opened up because we’re friends now, and we’re seeing her actual personality.”

“Yes. Maybe…. Whenever there’s someone else around, she goes back to her normal self.”

Even after they put their heads together, they did not reach an answer.

And it was not a troublesome change, or rather her revealing her brighter personally was a good thing. It was nothing for them to be worried about.

“Yes!”

Nemel smiled.

“Ornesty-san already said so, and so I’ll do my best to do my job!”

“Ah! Nemel, I’ll be relying on you!”

Jet felt her bright smile blow away his fatigue and he was now filled with a sense of purpose.

“Yes! Then, Jet, I’ll leave your job to you!”

“Ah. I’ll wait for the other two here, you should go borrow the leather armour.”

Sending Nemel off with a wave, Jet waited for Fluder and Nabe.

After a few minutes, he saw the pair from afar. It took no effort on his part to recognise them. After all, the crowd seemed to part before them. With both reverence, and fear.

As if they were walking through an empty street, Fluder and Nabe walked straight towards him. While common sense would dictate that the most recent arrivals start the greeting, Jet took the initiative. By bowing his head deeply.

“Good morning! Para— Fluder-sama! Nabe-san.”

“Morning Jet-kun.”

“Morning.”

Hearing Fluder’s kind voice and Nabe’s monotonous one, Jet lifted his head.

“This place is filled with excitement. While it is just the first years, there are over a hundred groups, and there are the knights guarding them…. Just thinking that there might be a genius to rise from amongst this group, I can feel my skin and bones ageing…. Now, where are the other two?”

“They have already begun preparations. They were disappointed that they could not greet you two.”

“I intended to arrive before the arranged time…. I’m sorry.”

“Ah, we were too excited to sleep well. You two are certainly not late.”

“I’m thankful that you believe so, Group Leader-dono.”

Fluder let out a smile that did not match his age. It was filled with youthful vigour.

Seeing the kind smile of this old man, Jet felt his heart waver. He wanted to spill out all the pain and regret that had accumulated in his heart. But he suppressed this desire.

“—Ah, um I have stayed behind not only to meet with you two but also as we have forgotten to ask if you require armour. I believe that Fluder-sama…. Does not require any armour, but does Nabe-san….?”

“I also do not need it.”

He had no grasp on this beauty. He had removed his eyepatch to examine her, but there was no sign that she was using an illusion, and her beauty remained unchanged.

“By the way Jet-kun…. Eyebags have formed under your eyes, so are you worried about something? If it is something that I can assist you with I will be happy to do so. As teammates.”

“T, thank you very much. But it is fine. I am simply worried about today’s exam— Ah, no. I am not worried about Fluder-sama being in our group, but rather if my friends from other groups will be able to return safely. I have been worried about them for the past few days and have not been getting enough sleep.”

“I see…. I can understand your feelings. This examination, in a way, is to increase the nation’s power, and so even before this, I was thinking that this was far too difficult for the students. And we might be harming someone that might have grown into a future genius.” Fluder shook his head. “Although, I can understand the Emperor’s aim, and I can say that it is not wrong. Do you know about the other side of this examination?”

He had heard some information from Arche and the Student Council President. However, he was not so sure about the accuracy of their talks. Having a commoner learn about national-level plans was extremely dangerous. However, his sources came from two nobles, people who viewed information as highly important. So it was probably something that was fine for commoners to learn.

Jet tried to keep a poker face, but he seemed to have failed. Fluder nodded and stroked his beard.

“So you know. Then it is fine.”

Before Jet could stop him, Fluder began to speak.

Originally, while it was still called an exam, it was created to force the students to travel.

Forcing them to travel would allow them to learn that the Empire was not safe, improve teamwork, and build a sense of nationalism. And having them be accompanied by knights would teach them the importance of the military to maintaining public safety, and more students would want to work as one.

It also allowed the teachers to identify the students with potential and function as training for the knights.

These were the goals.

Hearing Fluder’s explanation, Jet confirmed that it was the information he had heard before, and nodded.

However, a bomb was dropped.

“Fluder Paradyne. Will you not tell him the truth?”

“Nabe-sa…. Do…. Is it ok?”

“I believe it will be better for him to know.”

Jet tensed up. He could sense that it would be better for him to remain ignorant.

Fluder sensed his aversion, and smiled. The kindly old man from before was gone. Standing before him was the great magic caster who knew the underside of society.

“….Ignorance can sometimes bring bliss, but it is not true happiness. For example, do you believe that someone who is cheated of the true value of his reward will be happy? Jet-kun, I will respect your decision. What will you do?”

After considering his options, Jet replied.

“….Please tell me.”

Fluder smiled. As if he were a teacher seeing his student arrive at the right answer.

“I believe that this is the right decision. No matter what, one should always search for the right answer. Humans are different from beasts because we can gain knowledge. Then….” Fluder’s voice began to taper off as he let out a wry smile. “Sorry, I became too excited and began to talk about unrelated things. Now, the other side to this exam is to take the precious young ones who will someday reach high positions, such as the chicks who will grow to inherit the position of head of their noble households, place them in the midst of danger, and learn to trust those around them. Put simply, it’s a form of brainwashing.”

“….What?”

“….Calling it brainwashing may be a bit too much. However, increasing the loyalty towards the Emperor and marching onwards towards the future as one group, that is the only way for the weak species known as humans to survive.”

Jet was unable to refute Fluder’s words.

There were various different species, and if you were to rank them according to strength, it would be faster to reach humans if one counted from the bottom. And despite the fact that humans should band together in order to survive this war of existence, they fought amongst themselves. For they were foolish creatures.

And from this point of view, using the knights, and the throne of the Emperor which commanded them, to brainwash people to come together was something that he could not say was wrong.

“There’s no need to think so deeply about it. After all, you can do little to change it. Jet-kun, what you should be thinking about is how to finish this journey in a wonderful manner…. Haha. Well, these words shouldn’t come from someone who just confused you.”

“N, no. That’s not the case at all.”

“Fluder Paradyne…. Do you not think that the chit-chat has been continuing on for too long?”

“Oh, excuse me.”

Fluder bowed slightly towards Nabe.

What Jet understood from viewing their interactions the past few days was that Nabe seemed to outrank Fluder.

(How does the Archduke guide his subordinates? Is she acting like this because she’s his senpai?)

Nabe’s tone of voice would not be found acceptable for speaking to a great magic caster. However, Fluder himself was fine with it, and so Jet could not say anything. And it seemed that the Archduke himself had ordered it. If he commented on it, it would be rude.

“….By the way, I know I’m changing the topic of conversation, but do you think it’s possible for a monster to sneak into the city?”

Fluder took a quick glance towards Nabe. And then he smiled.

“I cannot say that it’s impossible. There are the sewers, the graveyards, and some dilapidated buildings in the slums. There are a countless number of places that they can hide. However, there’s nothing so serious that can create a lot of casualties…. Did something happen?”

“N, no. I was just suddenly worried about it.”

“….Hahahaha. If you get attacked, I will protect you. There’s no need to worry.”

Fluder patted Jet gently on the back, just like a mother calming down her child.

“T, thank you very much.”

“And the capital is heavily fortified, and there are knights patrolling about. So I don’t think it’s possible for a dangerous monster to have snuck in.”

Then what’s with that undead, Jet wanted to scream but managed to restrain himself, instead forcing a smile on his face. What was dangerous to Fluder and what was dangerous to Jet were entire realms away.

“We should head off soon.”

“Ah, yes. Then Jet-kun. We will perform our roles and go and greet and interact with the other groups. If something happens, please tell us when the wagon returns.”

“Yes. I understand. I understand that it is a hassle, but I leave the greeting of the other groups to you.”

“Leave it to us.”

Fluder and Nabe walked off.

Seeing the two of them off, Jet was just about to begin his own work, when suddenly, a voice came from behind.

“Hey, you seem healthy.”

He had spoken with the owner of the voice many times, but he would never get used to it. Every time he heard this voice, his stomach would scrunch up in pain.

“……..”

“What’s wrong? Jet-kun.”

Standing there was a normal-looking man. However, Jet knew that his true appearance was far more sinister.

“It has been a while, Momon-sama.”

“….You seem prickly. Did something happen?”

“No the examination is putting me on edge and I have not told anyone about Momon-sama and may I please ask for your permission to take my leave for I have to make preparations for the exam.”

“Isn’t it fine to talk for a bit…. I’m grateful that you’re keeping our promise…. By the way, I saw that you came in with the girl that you were next to in the ball. I thought this back then too, but are you two dating?”

Jet silently scanned Momon’s face.

The topic of conversation was one that classmates would have, and Momon did seem to be happy. Talking about one’s love life was normal for students. But. Jet would not be fooled. For he knew the terrifying visage that hid behind the illusion.

“Thank you very much. However, we are not dating. We are simply childhood friends.”

“I, is that so? ….Are you gunning for her? If you would like my help—”

“—That will not be necessary.”

“I, I see. You’re worried that I will—”

“Please do not do anything to her!”

As the words unknowingly slipped from Jet’s tongue, Momon responded almost in shock, frantically scanning around. Someone as powerful as Momon should not be this easily frightened. Then why, was it being so cautious?

(….That’s right! Paradyne-sama might be nearby!)

“In such a loud voice…. Embarrassing…. So…. This is youth…. It’s so bright…. Childhood friend…. School…. Eroge…. Contents…. The distance between them growing…. Env…. Such a student life…. Really…. Enviou….”

As Momon was mumbling, Jet could not make out a single word.

Momon heaved a sigh of relief.

“Well, feel free to ask for my assistance in any matter, since I do owe you a favour. Perhaps you would like it to snow on a particular day? Like a White Christmas.”

Jet had never heard of such a phrase. White Christmas? Was it the name of a magic ritual?

And moreover—

“Will…. You make it snow?”

“Ah yes, I have a magic item that can easily accomplish it.”

“A magic item?” Jet was surprised. “But still it is fine.”

“….I’m not really asking for anything in return. I just want to make your school life more fun.”

“It is fine.”

“You really aren’t interested….”

Devils were known for whispering sweet words, tempting people to trade off their souls. Perhaps the liches could do the same.

I should ask Fluder about this, the thought popped up in a corner of his mind.

“Now, I should be heading to the meeting point…. You make sure not to get injured, ok?”

Momon faintly smiled. Thinking about what sort of terrifying thoughts one needed to pull off such a smile, Jet was suddenly filled with a strong sense of anxiety, and the words he intended to hide in his heart were just blurted out.

“….Your minions won’t attack me in the middle of the trip right?”

If Momon wanted to silence Jet, the trip provided the best possible opportunity to do so. If Jet went missing in the capital or was found dead in the middle of the streets, Fluder would certainly sense something amiss. But if it occurred during the trip, he could be written off as a casualty of a monster attack.

But with such an elite wizard like Fluder around, was it possible for Momon to kill Jet?

Yes, it was.

Even a great wizard like Fluder only had a single pair of hands. If his movements were restrained, killing Jet during that opening would be an easy task. For instance, against immaterial undead, physical attacks would not work. The knights would be completely useless, and Fluder and the priests would then become the main method of attack.

By keeping them occupied with wraiths and ghosts, then striking with an assassin seemed like a possible trick Momon could have up his sleeve.

In the midst of his unpleasant imagination, Jet realised that Momon was staring at him.

Its eyes were filled with confusion and curiosity.

“Why would I do that? ….I owe you a favour. I have no intentions of treating you as an enemy. I know you are anxious about your first trip, but for you to be so suspicious, even I would be upset, you know?”

Realising that Momon did seem slightly offended, Jet lowered his head in a panic.

He was dealing with a monster, nothing good would come out of it if he pissed it off.

“My apologies. I was simply worried as your group is our strongest rival.”

“….I see. Considering who your teammate is, it will definitely be the two of us who are battling for the first and second place. So, indeed, if I pull you down, I will be able to attain the first position. I see. Your caution is understandable.”

We are academic rivals, eh, Momon liked the feeling of those words.

(That smile of his does not belong to a rival, is he smug in his superiority?)

“I understand. Your caution is to be expected. Anyway, I shall promise you this. I will not pull you and your group down in any manner. Let us have a fair match. Oh! I spoke too much, it is time for me to go.”

Let us have a good match, Momon reached out for a handshake.

Jet responded in kind. Its hand was strangely hard. It felt like something that belonged to neither a human nor undead. It was probably wearing something solid underneath the illusion.

Farewell, Momon turned around and left.

Seeing the figure retreat into the distance, Jet heaved a sigh of relief.

He did not know to what extent he could trust it. But—

“I can only believe in it….”

◆◆◆

“Welcome back, Momon-sama…. No, Momon-san.”

Seeing his teammate finally return, Rangoburt greeted him with a deep bow. Despite the man offering only the name Momon, without a family name that put him below even commoners, he, the son of a noble, was bowing his head. Normally this would fill him with shame, but there was not a smidgen of negativity in his mind.

While he still had not learnt of the man’s true identity, he was painfully aware that Momon was not a common man. Or rather, he knew that he was a Great Noble of some sort but was unable to place his face amongst their ranks, and so was someone who lived outside of the rules.

“Sorry for the wait.”

“Not at all. Rather….” Rangoburt took a glance around him, and he could not find the others who were supposed to be there. “Momon-san. I cannot find the three slaves, may I ask what happened to them?”

“Ah, they are…. Yes. I have left the preparations to them. They are bringing things over to the carriage.”

“Is that so?”

Rangoburt pondered and recalled the three male slaves they had purchased.

Vech Aike.

Cerdina Ezungrid.

Quia Bashgril.

They were strong men, twenty years of age, and had more faith in their minds than their body.

While they did not undergo a full interview, they had talked briefly to learn about their personalities and abilities. But the first impression Rangoburt got from them was that they would not even serve as their shields for this examination.

And so, since they would not be of use for this exam, Momon and he had to do their best.

They had at least met the numbers requirements, but Rangoburt was still annoyed at the fact that their luggage had increased.

Especially when they had no experience of travelling. This might spell their doom.

Additionally, the skin of their palms was soft, having no indication of having swung a sword before.

So leaving the important preparations to those men – weak in body, and having no knowledge about travelling – was quite dangerous.

While the Academy did provide the bare necessities, however if one wanted more convenient items, they would have to specify what they needed. After all, being able to identify what was necessary would earn them points.

(Well, I can check it later and buy it before we leave the capital….)

His father had promised him unlimited funds as long as it was to help Momon. Necessary items for their travels would certainly fall under that category.

“Ah. I have purchased most of the necessary items. I simply left moving the items onto the carriage to them.”

“I see! I understand. The right people in the right places.”

While they were not fighters, this was a task they could certainly accomplish, given time.

(I thought that they would be mere baggage, but I see that they can help with menial tasks.)

As the thought floated lazily through his mind, Rangoburt nodded in agreement.

So the reason he did not see them at all today was that they had been engrossed in their task ever since they came to the Academy. As he felt admiration for Momon’s foresight, Rangoburt suddenly recalled something they had to do.”

“We should call them back from the carriage soon. I believe that they are lending out leather armour now. If we do not leave soon, they might not be able to find any that fits them. Since we know their sizes, shall I queue up in their stead?”

The Academy provided free leather armour to the examinees who needed it.

Some of the nobles, like Rangoburt, had their own armour, but there was no way that the slaves, who had not travelled before, had a set, and so it was necessary to borrow some.

However, most of the Academy’s students did not have their own armour set, the shop would be flooded with people. And since the supply was not infinite, there were many cases where students received sets that did not fit them. The armour would then not provide enough protection, and so it was important to queue early.

“No need. I have prepared it for them. So there is no need for you to pay any heed to the leather armour.”

“Is that so? For you to go to that extent…. Allow me to say, as expected of you.”

Not only did he buy expensive slaves, but he had also prepared their own sets of armour. Wondering just how much money the man had, Rangoburt trembled with fear and trepidation as he followed behind.

They headed towards a covered carriage, and surrounding it were the figures of 14 knights.

As they stood there in a perfectly straight line, helmet in their arms, Rangoburt fully believed that they were the personification of the Empire’s military might.

While it seemed that the three slaves were nowhere to be found, the carriage was already filled with their baggage, and so Momon seemed to have spoken the truth. So there was no need to be concerned. Instead, Rangoburt turned his attention towards the knights. From the looks of their armour and the emblem engraved on their chest, he was able to determine their origins and ranks.

They were from the Third Division of the First Army, seven were normal knights, one was a knighted magic caster, another was a knighted priest, two were knighted rogues, two were heavy-armour knights, and finally, their commanding officer.

Basically, they were a group of knights that one could see regularly patrol the Imperial Territories.

The man Rangoburt assumed to be the commanding officer stepped forward.

“Now, we will be working together with you…. Before I speak, may I ask that you gather your entire team? Based on the report, I understand that you have five people?”

Huh, Rangoburt thought. Were the three slaves not here? They did not seem to be on the carriage. Also, if they had heard them arrive, they should have shown their faces. Or were they napping?

Puzzled, Rangoburt looked towards Momon for answers and noticing his gaze, Momon’s face flushed with pride and he nodded.

“Ah, yes. Come out.”

(Did they receive an order to not show themselves until— Eh?)

Suddenly, a giant something appeared next to them. Seeing something suddenly appear out of thin air caused Rangoburt’s mouth to be left agape.

“Could it be <Invisibility>?! —Haa?!”

And overlapping with Rangoburt’s shout—

“Uoooowwww!”

“What is it! An enemy?!”

“Draw blades!!”

—The knights shouted, and in unison, stepped back to take distance. In a panic, some of them got tangled with their compatriots and the sound of metal clanging against each other could be heard.

It was quite the unsightly display.

The specialised warriors of the Empire. One of the pillars of the country, perhaps the most important one, the knights were panicking.

But.

Could Rangoburt – or anyone – blame them?

No. It was impossible.

(Suddenly appearing like that, no human would be able to remain calm! Right?!)

However, seeing those who were more flustered than he was, Rangoburt was surprisingly able to calm himself down. And so, despite being filled with fear, in a loud voice, Rangoburt questioned the most knowledgeable person present.

“M, Mo, Momon-san! What are those things?!”

On the other end of Rangoburt’s pointing finger, standing there were giant creatures covered in jet black armour. Crimson vein-like patterns dashed across the surface, and thick thorns protruded outwards. Rather than being an item of protection, the armour seemed to be the distillation of pure violence.

They towered over two metres in height. Their bodies were as thick as tree trunks, and one could easily feel the large muscles hidden underneath.

In their left hands were gigantic tower shields that hid half of their bodies, and an equally large sword was sheathed at their belts.

Tattered jet black capes draped across their shoulders, and their very presence symbolised absolute power. Hanging from their necks were shining silver plates that clashed with the rest of their ensemble.

Their right hands were holding cloths of some sort.

“….Um, aren’t you asking strange questions, Rangoburt. Didn’t you meet them before? Umm,  Aike, Ezungrid? And Bashgril…. Those three.”

As Momon called out their names, one by one, the large warriors in jet black armour nodded their heads. If one took a closer look, they would be able to see that on the silver plates hanging from their necks were their names. It reminded Rangoburt of a dog collar.

“So these with these three, myself, Momon, and him, Rangoburt, this group has fully assembled. I look forward to working together with you.”

“No no no no! Please wait! They were humans before! No matter how you look at it those things aren’t human!”

Rangoburt tsukkomi’ed.

Last he saw of them, they were definitely not two-metre tall giants, and they certainly did not have the build to be able to move within this armour. And this air they were giving off was weird. Everyone who saw them was on the verge of trembling, and they felt like the personification of evil.

Even the knights had lost their will to fight and were quivering in fear. Several could not even control themselves and their swords were rattling uncontrollably. But no one thought them to be fools.

Because it was as if they were fighting a powerful monster.

If Momon himself were not here, Rangoburt would be dashing away at full speed.

“How rude. I simply had them wear magic armour. It is their faces underneath those helmets you know?”

Rangoburt took another look at the jet black warriors.

Their helmets completely hid their faces, but from the thin narrow slits, he felt that he could see blood-red lights – something that was definitely inhuman – but that was definitely just his imagination.

“Shall I get them to take off their helmets?”

“Please don’t…. Please.”

What, if there was nothing underneath those helmets? Or if there was something far more terrifying underneath?

And even if he did see their faces…. Would it even calm him down?

Rangoburt took a glance at the knights. And he saw that even they were looking around for help.

And honestly, even he himself felt that he was out of his depth.

The commanding officer, face pale, spoke to them.

“….Our role is to act together with you and to protect you. If these three are indeed your groupmates, we will not speak further on this matter.”

Rangoburt felt like he was betrayed. But at the same time, something within him broke.

I don’t care anymore.

“Ah yes. Yes, indeed. They are indeed my group mates. I made a mistake earlier. As expected of Momon-san. You are easily able to accomplish something that I am completely unable to do. Then, let us go. We should not be wasting time here. So let us head off. We can do the introductions on the road. So let us quickly head off. I believe the knights do not have any disagreements right!”

And now it was Rangoburt’s turn to betray the ones who were searching for help.

◆

Riding inside the carriage, Ainz stretched out his legs.

He was an undead, and since he could not feel any fatigue, there was no meaning to his action. His body could remain in the same position for hours on end. Stretching his legs would take up unnecessary space and would make him a bother to others. However, Suzuki Satoru – or the remnants of his human mind – forced him to do it. Large fluctuations in his mental state would be forcibly suppressed, but small ones could still affect him. And so, he adopted a relaxed position.

This was similar to how one would lay down on a bed, or one would rotate their shoulders when working at a desk.

As if he were trying to get rid of the pins and needles in his legs, he changed the angle of his legs. Although earlier he did not hit anything, this time, his feet touched one of the bags loaded on the carriage.

Inside the carriage was about a week’s worth of food for 30 people, and so it was piled up quite a bit. And—

“There is no need to move. Stay still.”

One of the Death Knights was about to stand up, and so Ainz quickly gave it an order. And obeying its master’s command, the Death Knight returned to its earlier fetal position, trying to take up as little space as possible.

But as each individual Death Knight was huge, the carriage was very cramped.

And so.

Initially, four of the knights and half of the group would be riding inside, and the others would be outside riding horses. However, now it was just Ainz and the three Death Knights. And two of the knights.

And Rangoburt was happily riding a horse outside.

(Does he like horses? Or does he not want to stay near the Death Knights? …. They aren’t releasing their aura and…. Well, no one would want to be next to someone wearing this sort of armour.)

Glancing at the spikes on the Death Knight’s armour, Ainz wore a wry smile.

(Tsk tsk. It really was impossible. It was a good thing I didn’t force them to take off their helmets then. I owe Rangoburt one.)

After all, it was not like the slaves were actually inside the Death Knights. Demiurge had suggested killing them and using their skins, but Ainz had naturally rejected that offer.

He would not hesitate to do so if they were his enemies or it was for the sake of profits, but he did not want to kill the innocent workers he himself had hired. The moment he hired them, a sense of responsibility towards them was born within him. And betraying them would be unbecoming of their master.

And so the three of them were currently working in the manor of Archduke Ainz Ooal Gown doing various pieces of paperwork and calculations.

And so instead, Ainz brought the Death Knights. Of course, he knew that this was a foolish act, but yet he had to do it.

Initially, when he had heard about the slavery system in the slave market, the first thing that Ainz thought was that it was a temp agency.

If he sold undead that did not require food, water and even pay, all of the extra cash would go into his pocket. He truly believed that this could help to alleviate the finances of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick.

Within the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick, there was a large treasury that was collected by Ainz and his friends. And now that he had a territory, he could expect this sum to grow even larger.

However, there were two reasons why he could not dip his hands into that large sum.

The first was if he used Yggdrasil gold, he might garner the attention of strange parties, which may be dangerous. And the other reason was that he simply did not want to use the treasure that his friends had collected.

And for those reasons, honestly, the available funds within Nazarick were shockingly limited. The hen that could lay golden eggs was still a chick. And so he needed to find another hen.

And so, undead slaves.

The first course of action was to show off the strength of the Death Knight at the Coliseum. This would cause nobles to hire it for a high price. And Nazarick could then profit.

And that was not it. Ainz had another aim.

By having the nobles use undead as slaves, Ainz wanted to change how people perceived the undead.

The undead were beings of death, who attacked the living. They were hated enemies. And were creatures that should be avoided.

This was the common belief. And Ainz agreed with it. It was true that normal undead were nothing more than enemies. But, he hoped that he could change people’s perception of them. To let them know that they were beings that could be used.

(In fact, Undead don’t need to eat or drink, and they don’t feel fatigued. If one needed to accomplish something simple, they could do it perfectly. My world has automation, but maybe this one will have undeation….)

If he succeeded, even if he used undead in his territory, he would not be feared. And if there were clear benefits – and these benefits would definitely arrive – there would be many who would emulate him.

And with this, even if his true identity as an undead were uncovered, the masses would still be able to accept him.

Ainz had thought through this plan seriously. However, he had stumbled at the first step.

(Why? Why doesn’t anyone want to hire the Death Knights? And why was the merchant captured? No, the battle with the Kingdom really showed how dangerous they could be. This is definitely the reason.)

The merchant Ainz had contracted with was apprehended at the Coliseum, and he still had not been released. And this was at the Emperor’s orders.

Ainz was Jircniv’s friend. And so if he asked, he would definitely bend the rules for him. Bu Ainz did not believe that this was a good thing.

(Friendship should be mutual. I should not be constantly receiving benefits from him.)

Ainz nodded.

Turning their friendship into a weapon and using it to ask for favours was definitely not a proper friendship.

And that was why Ainz needed to craft an argument that Jircniv could accept and offer an alternative solution.

(According to Jir, he is worried that the nobles who hire the Death Knights will be able to use them in unexpected ways – such as using them to kill other nobles, or to plant the seeds of revolt. Hmm. Indeed…. I’m worried if I can convince him. I said that I can override the Death Knights with but a single command, but he’s worried if I’m not there and an emergency breaks out…. It’s really obvious now, thinking about it…. He really thinks a lot.)

If I do not use my power as Emperor, I would be belittled by my subordinates. And so it is not the time to borrow your power.

This was Jircniv’s response to Ainz’s offer.

As he recalled Jircniv’s smile, Ainz rested his chin on his hand.

(As expected of Jir…. Such an attitude suitable for an Emperor. I should imitate, and learn from him. And thinking of which, at that time, why was his smile a bit stiff? His stomach should have been fine…. I don’t know…. Since I smiled back, there shouldn’t be any problems.)

“Moreover….”

As Ainz whispered, the knights riding in the carriage with him suddenly shivered, and looked towards Ainz in a panic. Having his self-talk so strongly reacted to was quite embarrassing, and Ainz tried to wave away their attention.

“I’m just talking to myself. Pay me no heed.”

They did not seem to agree, but they looked away all the same. However, the sense of tension did not lessen, and it seemed that a fight could break out at any moment.

(What’s this atmosphere? Well, I can understand them being cautious about the Death Knights…. Do they not trust me? Or….)

“By the way, I would like to ask something.”

“What is it, Momon-sama?”

The knights shot to attention. Kneeling on one knee, heads lowered low, they were the very picture of a loyal knight.

“Ah, um…. There’s no need for this formality. We are comrades travelling together after all….”

“Not at all. Being called comrades with someone so capable so as to be able to command such beings….”

Sighing, Ainz thought about their positions.

Originally, Ainz was someone who should be working together with the knights on this journey. They swerve something like comrades. However, Ainz believed that after seeing the Death Knights’ power, the knights were also expecting to be protected by them.

Basically a clear hierarchy of power between the protectors and the protected had been established.

(Well, I brought the Death Knights initially to show off their power…. Should I count myself lucky that the First Army did not participate in that battle? Anyway—)

“Are you used to escort missions?”

“We are certainly not so presumptuous to say that we are used to such missions. We simply have some experience.”

“I see….”

( So that’s it…. They aren’t used to such escort missions.)

　

Ainz recalled that the current atmosphere was similar to the one when a new hire went out to meetings. He chuckled.

“How cute.”

Once again, several shoulders quivered.

Ainz reflected on the fact that calling them cute was rude. They had trained to become knights. They had spent years building their physiques and had swung their swords until their hands were covered in calluses. Calling them cute was insulting.

(Yes. I should change the plan…. I need to protect them too.)

He had considered having the Death Knights save them when they were on the verge of death, but Ainz scrapped that plan. If he wanted to spread the word of the strength of the Death Knights, it would be better to show them off in front of a large group of people.

Ainz, filled with affection and love, looked around. With a gaze that a senpai would have for his kouhai.

But, he found it strange that the knights seemed to quiver in fear.