1,057Authors note: Alright new chapter time! It's called politics, but its only sort of politics. Hope the arguments and such make sense too, backroom deals can be complicated when I'm only showing one characters internal thoughts.
To all those enjoying the series I hope you continued to do so as it really is just for fun and I am enjoying writing it. Hope you like this chapter!
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Ainz Ooal Gown sat in the guest room, read prison, with a pile of books in front of him that had long since been ignored. For the rest of the day after he had dropped a meteor on the demons he had read everything he could about this land's magic. Then for the day after as well he did the same with a single thought growing in weight in his mind. Now, in the morning of what was his fourth day in this strange yet seemingly very real land he had come to an impasse that he could not ignore.
He didn't know anything about magic.
Yes he knew of his own magic from Yyggdrasil, but the more he read up on the magic of Eostia, the more he had come to realize how little he knew. He knew of magic as it was in the game, and ability you used MP to cast depending on what types a class had access to. These ranged from healing to super grade magic's that destroyed throngs of enemies. But that was all he knew it as, an ability. He knew that Yggdrasil had taken a lot from an old Tabletop game system to help devise it magic, classifying the magic by type and quantifying it by levels according to what the spells could do, but that still did not change the fact that as a game it was never heavily delved into how magic worked. There was some little bits of lore for it, but only enough to appease most players.
Eostia however had mountains of books upon magic. Many were belittling it, but those that were properly written tomes on how to use it were interesting and somewhat well thought out, if sometimes vague. They had mentions to mana, fonts of power, visualizations, magic words, chants, focuses and so forth. Things one would expect in any fantasy setting, but nothing that directly answered Ainz's question on how magic worked as a whole.
He had done some small experiments with his own magic, but it had left him with again more questions than answers. He could think of the spell, imagine its effects, and with a word it was cast, making him feel like something was leaving him. He figured it was most likely his mana, but had no real way to confirm it without another's help. Something that was not likely to occur anytime soon with the way things were looking so far.
He was suddenly pulled from his thoughts by a pair of sharp knocks on the door to the room, causing him to glance over to it and let out a sigh. "Yes?"
The door opened to reveal a maid, human, tall, with sharp features and a cool look in her eyes, pushing a trolley cart with food upon it. "Sir Gown, I am here with breakfast for you."
Ainz let out a sigh as he turned in the chair to face her. "I believe I told you this many times yesterday, but I do not need food brought to me. When I am hungry I shall make that fact known," He explained for what was the fourth or fifth time now. After having used meteor fall, the maid had appeared later that day with food for him, claiming she was ordered to attend to his needs.
It was abundantly clear someone was using the maid to try to gain information him, as she would not leave unless he pressed the matter. The real question was who was behind her presence. Klaus seemed too trusting and respectful to think of such a thing.
"Be that as it may, I have my orders to tend to your needs, and providing food is important," the maid said professionally with a bow. "I shall leave the food here for when you require it."
"No that is fine, take it back with you," Ainz quickly spoke up, recalling the last few times when this maid used the left behind food to simply burst into the room on multiple occasions already. "I would not wish for food to go to waste, so please take it to those who need it."
"Sir, if you do not eat, your health will deteriorate," She said with her mouth ever so slightly smirking. "I shall leave it here and return later for the dishes."
"No!" Ainz said loudly before she could turn and leave. "I am fine, take the food to those who need, not me."
"Sir, I have my orders."
Ainz wanted to yell, but then realized something and inwardly smirked. "And who gave you those orders?"
"Pardon?"
"Who gave you the orders to attend to me like you are?" Ainz asked again as he stood up, making the maid realize just how tall he was compared to her. "Who ordered you to repeatedly burst in here for left dishes and interrupt me so frequently? It could not have been the head scholar, as I asked him not to send anyone to me unless he had something to speak about. So who has given you this order?"
The maid looked at him for a moment. "General Grave is the one who ordered me to see to your needs."
That was a name that Ainz had not heard of yet. Even stranger if the person was a General then why hadn't they been the one leading the defense of the city? Had they been late to arrive, the demon army destroyed by his spell before arrival perhaps? "I see. And where is this General may I ask? The military district below perhaps?"
"General grave is most often training the militia on the east end of the military district away from the knights, or in his office. I am not aware of his current location however."
"Then when you next see him pass on the message that I would like to speak to him in person?"
The maid was still for a moment before bowing slightly. "I will do so sir, please excuse me."
Ainz let out a hum of acknowledgement before he turned back to the table. There were so many things he still did not know. So many things he needed to research and discover before he could truly make more sense of his situation. The problem was that being limited in where he could get information also limited his options.
"Perhaps a rest would do me well," Ainz muttered as he stood up and walked over to the balcony. He had quickly noticed early on that he did not seem to get tired, and the night before he had even lain on the bed to attempt to sleep, only to find that it was something that seemed to elude him no matter what he tried.
And if sleep was not a way he could rest his mind, then other forms of rest would have to be used instead.
Out on the balcony Ainz took in a deep breath of air, relishing the sweet freshness that came with it. The air back in his world was nothing like this. City air was a disgusting cocktail of exhaust gasses and foul smells that even many filters could not truly be rid of. "I could breathe in this air and never get tired of it," Ainz muttered in minor joy as he looked down at the military district expecting to see knights training as they always seemed to be.
Only to see the entre district seemingly empty. "Odd, where is everyone?" Ainz muttered as he looked more carefully. He could see a handful of people, but they appeared to be doing small menial jobs that the apprentice knights were made to do. When he looked harder though, his ears, if they even existed, picked up some distant noise of cheering from somewhere.
Before he could question it though he sensed someone approaching and the door to his room burst open, "Sir Gown!"
Ainz turned to see Melodie standing in the doorway, hand on one of the doors handles and breathing a bit heavily, looking as if she had just run a decent distance. Her expression was not one of worry or horror, so any danger to Hara was unlikely it seemed. Instead she looked happy and hopeful. "Yes I am here Miss Melodie, has something happened?"
"Yes, Lady Claudia . . . Princess Knight Claudia has returned!"
Ainz felt a wave of relief wash over him. He could finally actually speak with the primary power of this city of Ansur and finally get some answers. "That is good news indeed," Ainz said calmly, knowing that he likely would not get a meeting for many hours, though he hoped otherwise.
"Yes, my sister has ordered me to bring you to the main hall meeting room."
Ainz looked at Melodie for a second in surprise before he spoke up. "May I ask what for?"
"To speak with Lady Claudia of course!" Melodie exclaimed. "She always insists on having a meeting with everyone of importance in the city when she returns so that she can be made aware of what has gone on. As you saved Hara and myself, and then destroyed that army, Aria decided that you should be there as well to tell her your story and meet her officially."
"Ah, I admit, I was not expecting to meet her as soon as she returned," Ainz spoke up a she came away from the balcony and up to Melodie, who quickly moved to the side to allow him through the doorway and into the hall.
"It is never a certain date she returns, so perhaps we simply got lucky?" Melodie asked as she began leading Ainz down the halls at a steady pace.
"Perhaps so. . . . What can you tell me about the Princess knight?" Ainz asked, knowing that having little information was better than none as long as it was not incorrect.
"About Lady Claudia?" Melodie asked in surprised and then looked ahead thoughtfully. "I am unsure what may be useful to you but . . . Lady Claudia is the strongest of the Princess Knights; trained by her Father in law General Grave Levantine. She is unmatched with a blade, and also acts at Lady Celestine's personal Bodyguard, The leader of the Dawn Templars, and the Second in command of the entire Seven Shields Alliance."
"So she is highly ranked then," Ainz muttered aloud before humming for a second. "She has the same name as her father in law? Why does she not share the same name as Klaus then?"
"Ah, that is because she learned under him and took the Levantine name. The name only passes on to a child found worthy, or so I heard. Noble families do that sometimes."
"Nobility huh," Ainz murmured. He had dealt with clients in the past that came from supposedly illustrious histories and lineages. They were always a hassle to deal with, holding very stringent expectations for themselves and in how others treated them. And those were old families in japan, not century year old European families. "I hope that does not mean she is, overly reliant on things such as dynastic names."
"Dyna- I'm sorry, I don't know what that means," Melodie admitted before continuing. "Lady Claudia is very well respected and loved by the people. She cares for everyone under her care, and has never left anyone behind that could be saved."
"Hmmm, you mean that she only saves those she can, some are still lost then, correct?
Melodie looked unnerved for a second before solemnly nodding. "Yes, that is right. If someone's body has been smashed by a club, or if a knight had been impaled upon a demons member, there is often little help that can be given to them aside from a quick end."
Ainz suddenly wanted to throw up as he recalled the image of the orc war leader and his, armor. The way that Melodie spoke of it, like such a thing was normal, did not help either. "Is there, anything else I should know about her?"
"She is married to the Lord scholar."
"I know that. . . .Then, what of others? Are there others in this meeting I should be aware of?"
"Um, the lord scholar's father, General Grave will be there, as will my sister Aria as well as the Head of the Merchants guild, Ambria Coala."
"And, is the merchant's guild a powerful force in this city?" Ainz asked.
"Uh, they keep priced fair and help set up merchant caravans between the neighboring cities. They also often help regulate mercenary contacts," Melodie stated simply. A second later Melodie turned a corner and promptly came up to a large paid of oaken doors braced in bright silver bands of metal. To either side of the door were Dawn Templar knights who instantly tensed upon sight of Ainz. "I have come with the Lord Scholars guest to take part in the meeting, as requested by the Princess Knight and Lord Scholar."
Both Templars nodded as one slightly opened the door and stepped inside, the door closing behind her. A minute later, after an awkward silence of the remaining Templar looking at Ainz as if he was a monster, the first came back out. "You are cleared to enter," she said before turning her gaze to Ainz. "Do not insult the princess knight or it will be the last thing you ever do."
Ainz simply nodded, figuring anything more would cause a scene as the two Templars opened the door and Melodie walked in with Ainz behind her.
Stepping into the room it was mostly what Ainz had expected. A decently sized room with a large wooden table carved intricately with equally detailed chairs spaced around it. Klaus was sitting at the far end of the table on the right side, while across from him was a short stocky woman with broad shoulders, a dwarf if Ainz had to guess her race, who while not dressed in excessive finery, was well dressed for the occasion. Likely the head of the Merchant's Guild. Down beside Klaus was an older man with a balding head wearing deep gray full plate armor with a sword on his waist; likely general grave. Just down from the dwarf woman stood Aria, who looked at Ainz with contempt, and at the far end of the table stood a woman with her back to the door. All Ainz could see was a pale grey cloak that billowed down from large and ornate shoulder pads, and he knew it was a woman simply by the large bun of hazelnut hair that came away from the back of her head, enough that if it all was let down it would be quiet long he wagered.
"My Lady Princess Knight, I have arrived with the lord Scholars' guest," Melodie said professionally as she took a standing pose that Ainz figured was likely akin to a salute or bow.
"Thank you. You are dismissed," the woman at the end of the table said, marking her as the Princess night herself. Melodie looked upset by her dismissal but said nothing as she left, leaving the room in an awkward silence. After a few seconds, Claudia let out a sigh and turned around. "Now then, we can begin.
Ainz felt like he wanted to scream, or gag, or choke, or yell at her to put clothes on. Or all of the above. Claudia's clothing, if it could even be called as such, was even less than a chainmail bikini some female characters in Yggdrasil would wear solely for the stats. A skimpy pair of panties were the only thing covering her crotch, while her absolutely massive breasts, larger than her own head, were not so much covered as contained by a curved piece of metal that came down from her collar and covered her nipples and barely that. She wore thigh high metal plate boots, as well as a an armored collar like neck brace that connected her two large shoulder pads while some cloth covered her arms and went under a pair of simple yet strangely shaped vambraces. On her hips sat metal chunks that seemed to stick to her hips themselves, and from those hung down short section of cloth that looked to serve no purpose aside from one of them holding a sheathed sword. Her look was completed by a simple circlet with almost wing like sections that came off and went over and above her ears.
Her armor was quieted bluntly, the most pointlessly erotic waste of material that Ainz had ever seen, and quiet honestly could not be considered armor as it protected nothing but her shoulders and legs. Hardly useful to sop and arrow or anything sharp from disemboweling her. The worst part was that she looked to be in her early to mid-thirties, making the whole ensemble feel even more out of place.
After a second of seeing her continue to look at him, Ainz took a step closer to the table and gave a short half bow with one arm in front and behind. "Greetings, I do not know the local formality or customs, but if you would allow introductions . . ." Ainz waited, and seeing no one speaking up continued. "I am Ainz Ooal Gown, a Magic Caster, or Magician, from the very distant Land of Ygg."
Claudia nodded and gestured to the end of the table and the chair that sat there waiting to be used. "I am the Princess Knight of Ansur, Claudia Levantine. My husband has informed me both of the reason for your strange attire, and the acts you have done in defense of this city, so first I would like to thank you for doing as you have to protect those here."
"I simply did what I believed to be right," Ainz said in a cordial tone as he came up to the chair and sat down in it, instantly thankful that is was of high quality and sturdy enough to take his bulk despite the lack of comfort. "Though I do admit I was hoping for some recompense considering the situation I find myself in."
"Klaus gave some insight to that, but I would like to hear what has led you here, and would like to hear your side of the events that have occurred these last few days, if you are willing," Claudia asked respectfully as her gaze twitched to ward Aria, telling him that she had likely been told of the event of the last few days from some other points of view already.
The fact she was calmly requesting him to tell her his side however was a very good sign, as was the way she was speaking. He just needed to ignore the fact that she was essentially unclothed. Something easier to do as she and the rest took their seats.
"Of course, though I warn you it may drag on a bit," Ainz said as he began telling speaking of the events of the last few days starting with waking up after his teleportation accident and entering the village where he met Melodie and Hara. No one spoke up or interrupted him as he spoke of that, the travels to the city, or his speaking with Klaus. He expected Aria to speak up as soon as he got to the events that led up to using Meteor fall, but surprisingly she held her tongue throughout the whole story. He was, of course, keeping minor details that would endanger him or confuse matters out of the story, but did decide to include how he spoke to Hara and heard her tale, and the subsequent warning he had made immediately after that to Aria. Finishing his story Ainz looked at those gathered before him and judged their reactions. Klaus looked slightly worried. General Grave looked strongly pleased for some reason. Aria looked furious. The dwarf lady looked utterly terrified.
And Claudia herself looked very conflicted. "So, you come from a land extremely far away and know nothing of our lands or those surrounding us," Claudia quickly summarized Ainz's situation before letting out a light sigh. "I do feel very sorry for you and your situation. And I do thank you for saving out knights, and for destroying the Dark Queen's army that had prepared to move against us. However, your magic and some of the things you have said to those under me are a cause for concern for a number of reasons."
Ainz was not surprised by her words. He did basically admit to being a wild card capable of destroying cities from a fair distance away. The mention of her subordinate however was a worrisome prospect, and required more explanation. "First off, thank you for allowing me to tell you of my situation," Ainz said with an exaggerated nod. "I also will say now that, while my choice of spell was perhaps not the best due to what I had seen, the destruction of lands and peoples is not my intent, and I would not turn such magic against those who do not deserve as such. My primary concern is finding a way back to my own lands or, barring that if it becomes impossible, perhaps maybe finding a place within these lands."
"That is good to hear," Claudia said with a nod. "However, I worry that-
"It isn't enough!" Ambria suddenly spoke up as she smacked the table. "How can we just trust a man capable of such destruction when we cannot even see his face?!"
"I already explained why he wears the mask as he does. It is cultural, and forcing him to remove it would be tantamount to forcing one of our own to give up their own beliefs," Klaus spoke up in a calming tone.
"Absurd," General Grave said with a scoff as he glowered at Klaus. "Why did you not make this Mage simply show you his face you fool. You are no woman."
"I take it from such a statement, that relationships between those of the same gender are not respected in these lands?" Ainz spoke up.
"You mean, that sort of thing exists in yours?" Klaus responded curiously.
"It does yes. Anyone can marry anyone regardless of gender, or species, and the rule of our masks is not specific."
"He could still see your face, he is already married!" General grave said in annoyance as he looked at Ainz.
"Polygamy is not uncommon either," Ainz said simply, silently enjoying how easy it seemed to be to rile up the general.
The general simply glared at Ainz for a few seconds before, very suddenly, letting out a chuckle and leaning back in his seat.
"My point is not about his mask itself," Ambria said in clear aggravation as she pointed at Ainz. "We know little about this man, who or what he is, and his magic is far too powerful to be safe or normal. The magicians guild has been demanding information as to what caused that meteor, and many of the cities nobles, merchants, and regular citizenry are terrified that it was perhaps some kind of punishment from the gods or a weapon of the Dark Queens!"
"I can assure you I am no ally of the leader of those monstrous forces," Ainz said as he held a hand up. "I am simply a displaced mage and scholar trying to find my way home and right the wrongs I encounter."
"That is a lie!" Ambria said in anger as she stood up from her chair and slammed the table before turning her gaze to Claudia. "Esteemed Princess knight Claudia, from this man's own admissions of what he has done since arriving in these lands he is nothing more than a danger to all around him and to calm down the masses and stop the magicians guild from causing trouble we at the merchants guild insist he be imprisoned for the safety of our people and interrogated until all of his secrets are revealed to us! He is too dangerous to do otherwise!"
Ainz was inwardly very surprised at Ambria's words. The fact a merchant of all things would act in such a heavy handed was problematic, and the fact her tone made it sound like a demand even when she was speaking to the supposed leader of the entire city was worrisome.
General grave simply chuckled and shook his head, garnering attention before Ainz could speak up and dissuade such reactions toward him. "You are a fool if you think in such simple terms Coala. Do you think your paltry guards and mercenaries could imprison someone with so much power?"
"What?" Coala replied as she looked at Grave in clear worry, and a bit of fear.
"He is beyond the strength of a normal mage. If nothing else he should be utilized for the betterment of our lands. His knowledge given to those fools to see if they can learn beyond their simple parlor tricks, and his power used by the army to destroy the Dark queens forces," he paused as he turned a level and steely gaze to Claudia. "I propose the mage be inducted into the army to serve as magical artillery to destroy the Dark Queens forces and make use of his power in a proper manner!"
"Absolutely not!" Aria suddenly exclaimed as she pointed a finger at Ainz. "That thing is an abomination with no respect or honor. He not only threatened multiple Dawn Templars including myself, but ignored rules and regulations and even aims to protect the Heretic Greyed knight out of some form of misplaced emotion! He cannot be trusted, and the knights demand he be subjected to imprisonment and be heavily looked over by the Grand priest of the city to ascertain if he is even a proper being and not a demon in disguise!"
Ainz wanted to speak up in his own defense to at least try to calm down the room, but as the three of them began to argue even fiercer he noticed both Klaus and Claudia with exasperated looks on their face. It was instantly clear that such heated arguments were likely a common thing, and from the sound of how Aria was arguing, this, Grand Priest would normally be at these meetings but was outside of the city at the current time. As it continued, and became increasing heated and insulting to him, Ainz found himself becoming less and less patient. It seemed Claudia was as well from her expression, but being the leader of the city seemed to make her unwilling to raise her voice right away. Likely out of some form of respect to her own station.
After another few seconds Ainz had enough and raised a hand out, channeling his power. "Silence!" in the instant the word left his mouth everyone else at the table became unable to speak. Ambria was shocked into simply staring, while Aria and General grave both reached for their blades as if trying to threaten him. Curiously, Klaus and Claudia were looking at him in surprise, as if awaiting what he would do next. "I may be a foreign entity to this meeting, but such arguments have gone on long enough, especially as insulting to myself as they are. I am not a member of these lands citizenry, and therefore cannot be forced into military service," Ainz said as he looked at General grave, then turned his gaze to Aria and Ambria. "I have committed no crimes against the people of these lands either, and have saved the lives of your people both directly and indirectly. Would you put someone in jail for committing no crimes?"
Aria tried yelling or screaming at him but found her voice was still gone and glared at him with eyes like icy daggers.
Ainz simply shook his head. "Goodness. I have accepted being her and confined to the castles in the hope of meeting your leadership and learning what I could and hoping a meeting could be amiable, but so far all I have been is insulted by your childish displays," Ainz said as he looked to Klaus and Claudia. "Lord Scholar, I understand why you wished me to not leave the castle or military district these last few days considering the reactions of these few, but understand it feels like I am being held and imprisoned against my will despite saving the lives of your people and being more than cooperative with you," Ainz said before directing his gaze to Claudia. "Lady Princess knight, I understand you have just returned and needed to be informed of what has occurred in this city while you were gone, but I was expecting a respectful talk with you as this cities leader, not being pulled into a meeting and insulted by the others around this table as they act like I am some prisoner who has no control of their own fate. I have been abiding you the Lord Scholars requests thus far, but if this continues then I will have no choice but to believe that there is nothing here for me that can be learned or found useful by research or talk, and will leave. And make no mistake, I can and will. I assume you wished for me to be here for a reason other than just giving my side of recent events however so I will undo the effects of my silence spell now. If there is indeed a reason for me to be here other than to be verbally ridiculed and insulted, I ask you please state your intentions, otherwise I am leaving."
Everyone was silent and stared at Ainz in shock, unable to even test if they could speak. Then, much too many of their surprises, Claudia stood up from her chair. "Klaus, Sir Gown, Please follow me," she said as she walked behind her to the back wall and opened a door before walking in and disappearing out of sight.
Klaus got up and looked to Ainz before nodding, as if telling him it was fine before he walked over to the door and waited for him.
Ainz stood and walked around the table, feeling the gazes of the others on his back as he went, and quickly entered the doorway with Klaus entering and closing the door behind him. The room was smaller than the main meeting room. A wooden circular table sat in its center with four chairs around it, and on the back wall was what appeared to be a wine cabinet. This room had no windows, and was lit by a number of lamps that had markings inscribed upon them, vibrating ever so slightly with magical energy as Klaus closed the door.
"This room was warded by many priests and cannot be listened in on. It is used for the most serious of meetings, or when secrecy is required," Claudia said as she walked around the table and leaned against the cabinet. "First of all sir gown, I would like to thank you again for saving one of the cities knights, and doing away with that army of the Dark queens. From what I have been told, and from having surveyed the landscape this morning before arriving, it was a force large enough that we would have otherwise taken a number of losses."
"I simply did as I felt was correct, and I do admit my choice of magic may have been a little, more than what was required," Ainz Admitted as he came up to the table and sat down across from Claudia. "I take it we are in here not to just trade simple thanks however, correct?"
"That is correct," Claudia said as her gaze turned steely. "As I am sure is clear to you, the merchants guild does not like you, my knights do not trust or outright loathe you, and our father wishes you chained and used as a magical catapult. Normally such things would disgust me. But considering what you have done and what you intend, I am almost inclined to go along with one of them!"
" . . . . . . And what, is it I intend do you think?" Ainz asked very carefully. It was now clear that Claudia was a strong personality, she had just been holding back in the other room for some reason. He needed to find out what her intentions were, and fast. Especially since she seemed to be the controlling type.
"You know what I am speaking of! Why are you caring about a heretics punishment!?" Claudia exclaimed in aggravation. "I am thankful for most of your action here while I was not, but it was, and is, fully within Captain Aria's right to follow through on her orders and the punishment of one under her care!"
Ainz stared at Claudia for a moment before very slowly standing up. It was clear he was tall, but in a much smaller room, and closer to him, Claudia could help but stare up at him. "You are speaking of what I said to Lady Aria, about Lady Hara and her unfair punishment then."
"Yes. I am."
Ainz let out a sigh. "Let us make this clear then. A young girl not in her teens and prepping to join the mages guild and learn magic loses her family and is whisked away to the school itself. For whatever reason she learns a bit of Necromancy and is found out. Necromancy in these lands is, for some reason, looked down on, but instead of giving her a slap on the wrist and a proper and intelligent explanation as to why it is bad and why she should not use it, she is instead cited to be executed on the spot, and only the pleading of her friend allows her to live. But instead of living as say a servant or something similar, she is collared to never use magic again, forced to take up the sword and become a knight where she is belittled and thought less of by all around her with the hope and expectation that she die in combat as punishment for something that was never explained to her why it was considered bad. Is this not Lady Hara's situation in simple terms? Yes or no?"
Claudia was silent for a second before nodding. "Yes, that is accurate."
"And you see nothing wrong with this?" Ainz asked tensely.
"No. Necromancy is Dark magic, and Dark magic is evil. It cannot be allowed to spread, lest the Dark Queen influence people with it!" Claudia stated strongly.
"Oh, so because your religion thinks ill of one kind of magic, regardless of its use, it is evil then?" Ainz asked as the gears in his mind turned furiously and came up with the perfect argument. "So by that same logic, a mage who uses fire magic to burn down orphanages and kill innocents is not evil then, no?"
"What?! Of course they would be!"
"Are they themselves evil, or is the magic evil?" Ainz asked as he gently pushed the chair he had been sitting on to the side. "If an evil person uses magic for evil, does that make that form of magic evil? How about if a good person uses evil magic for a good purpose, are they evil?"
"What, are you trying to say here, Sir Gown?" Claudia asked as she stared at him unflinchingly.
"I believe Sir Gown is bringing up an argument the magicians guild has often, about if magic can be considered inherently good or not," Klaus spoke up from the side.
"Yes, that is correct. Where I come from, no magic is considered evil, regardless of who uses it. An evil person using a sword for evil does not make the sword inherently evil itself, just as a good person using a sword for good reasons does not make a sword inherently good. Good and evil are definition for people, not items. Magic is no different; not inherently good or evil itself."
"That is wrong, it is very clear that Dark magic's are evil, it has been proven time and time again throughout history,"
"You mean that frail and pathetic 200 year history of this lands?" Ainz asked with scoff and a wave of his hand. "It is clear to me that your history is far more than any book in this castle admits too, yet none of them speak of anything older than 200 years ago, nothing goes before the rise of the Dark Queen and this alliance. If that is the history you are basing such words on, then it is not history citing as such, but it is an elite few who are manipulating the bias of the populace in a way they want. So what has proven that dark magic is evil? The work of one person who you are at war with perhaps? Or more serious matters from the past that none of your histories speak or seem aware of?"
Claudia looked like she was on the verge of yelling or arguing. Her one hand was twitching toward the sword on her waist as well, but she took a deep breath and then looked back at Ainz. "That is your opinion from a different land, not the opinion of those from Eostia. I will respect your opinion as your own, however we have our way of doing things, and you have no right to attempt to intervene in something that was, and is, already decided."
Ainz let out a short chuckle. It seemed instead of arguing the point further Claudia decided to simply throw it to the side and make it not have worth. It was a tactic some companies used if their negotiations were not going anywhere. They would simply change the focus of their negotiations temporarily to make the other party lose their balance. Luckily, Ainz knew how to deal with such a thing. "Unfortunately that is where you are incorrect, Lady Levantine. Hara's situation is something of an issue to me, because it was through my actions she is yet still alive, and through the actions of one of your own that she is crippled and may be unfairly stripped or rank and executed.
"That cannot be proven,"
"No, it cannot. It is however as clear as a cloudless day that the one who healed her did indeed intend to do it incorrectly. Anyone can see that, but no one is speaking about it because they simply do not care or do not wish to speak up against your vaunted Templars. I do. I saved her life, and I did not do so to have her summarily executed for something she was, and still is, being punished unjustly for when she was young and did not know better."
"What makes you think you have a say in how we follow through on our crimes and charges?" Claudia asked in a steely tone.
"Simple. I have something you want," Ainz said clearly, inwardly smiling at how simple this all was so far. Claudia clearly had some knowledge of politics, but it was not the likes of which he had experience in. No one could win if they had nothing the other party wanted after all.
"What are you meaning?"
"Your Merchant wishes to use me as a way to quell the masses. Your captain wishes to punish me for simply standing up to her, and wishes to go through with and punish Hara as she clearly has some personal grudge against her. Your General wishes to force me to use my powers for your lands and country even if it against my will. And you . . . while you are distinctly upset with my tone and my personal opinions, I wager you aim to reward my actions for saving so many lives in some way, while calming all of the formers issues, correct?"
Claudia looked taken aback, but did not deny Ainz's statement. Instead she simply let out a sigh. "There is much we want yes, but I fail to see how that matter takes precedence right now,"
"Oh come now, surely you must realize you do not simply receive things for free," Ainz said with a friendly chuckle, hoping it would lighten the mod in preparation for what he needed to say. "Even if you gave a reward of some kind, neither you, nor anyone else in this situation can hold me here further even against my will. For saving Hara and Melodie I simply asked for access to information, something the Lord scholar has given me. I have yet to receive anything for destroying that army, and I have committed no crimes, meaning you cannot imprison me," Ainz said before chuckling. "Of course you could claim that I committed a crime and imprison me regardless, but such a thing would be rather corrupt, and I doubt I could not simply escape when I pleased. Just like I could leave whenever I wanted as I stated earlier."
"What is it you are after, speak plainly and stop avoiding the subject! What are you trying to say?" Claudia almost demanded.
It made it abundantly clear that Claudia was not as versed in politics as Ainz first thought. Did she simply expect others to follow her because of her rank? Because they were too busy ogling her excessively huge breasts perhaps? It didn't matter. If she was not as skilled in politics then it would make it simpler to get what he wanted. "I am in a land not my own and admittedly know very little of this lands lore. Your tomes and books tell little that is not clearly heavily edited by a major source, and information from only one source is not trustworthy. I have found no way thus far to return to my own land. Tell me, where in these lands is the greatest quantity of raw information?"
"The great temples library in Thorn," Claudia answered in a wary tone. "It is only accessible to those deemed worth by the church or Lady Celestine however."
"Not useful, religions like to shape information to their needs and use, even making it up at times. No, if there is no large repository of freely available information then I would need to look myself, and without knowing where to look I would get nowhere," Ainz said dismissively, figuring it about time to throw Claudia a lifeline. "How about this. Hara becomes my apprentice. With that I gain both a guide to this lands, and some insight to these lands magic and culture. In return she is out of your hair, and I can consider that my reward for destroying that army. In addition, I can consider myself a Mercenary mage whose services can be bought by yourself and your nations, answering both General Grave, and your merchants demands and wishes as, as a traveling mercenary from a far off land, it would be easier to give credence to abilities and magic they are unfamiliar with."
Claudia looked like she wanted to speak, but was unable to, and a second later Klaus took a step away from the wall "That is a very positive way to deal with many of these current issues sir gown, but what of Lady Aria?"
"She is simply a knight who thinks too highly of herself and has long since not met someone with an actual spine I would wager. She is your subordinate, you can simply tell her to drop it, and she would be forced to obey, would she not?"
"She, would I suppose . . ." Claudia said as he looked down at the table, likely in thought.
"Sir Gown, could I ask you to return to the meeting room for a moment so that we may discuss what you have suggested?" Klaus spoke up, causing his wife to perk up a bit.
Ainz took a look at Claudia to see her not looking at him and nodded. "Very well, I look forward to what you decide upon," Ainz said as he turned around and reached for the door, his hand stopping just shy of it.
"Is something Wrong sir Gown?"
"No, just thinking these enchantments are interesting. I find it odd people in these lands seem to think ill of magic when it seems so omnipresent. If I must leave here on my own it may be something I look into." Ainz said as he opened the door and walked back out into the main meeting room.
Where the three others were still siting, and now looking at him rather angrily.
Ainz simply let out the lightest of sighs as he walked around the table and sat back down where he had been, ignoring their gazes until Aria spoke up, her tone cold and hateful.
"I would suggest you pray to whatever god you worship, mage."
"Oh, is it a day of worship perhaps?" Ainz asked, inwardly smiling at how he must sound to them.
"No, you know what I am talking about you insolent mage! Did you just think you cast magic upon us without any kind of ramifications? Do you think you are going to just get away with that, or the way you have spoken to all of us!?"
"Hmm, I do wonder," Ainz said noncommittally.
"I would suggest you learn your place, mage. Unlike my fool son, my Daughter in law is no pushover, and she is a solider, you will find yourself at her beck and call, at the army's whim, soon enough," General Grave said with a proud grin. "Then you will find your magic being used for a proper purpose."
"You think you have done something rather impressive, don't you general?" Ainz asked before lightly chuckling. "I feel sorry for those under you, such as that maid."
"What?" General grave asked as he twitched and visibly faltered from the question, his face plastered with a look of surprise.
Before Ainz, or anyone else, could say anything more the door to the back rom opened up and Klaus came out, followed quickly by Claudia. She went straight to her chair, while Klaus came around and went to the door. "Sir Gown, please come with me," Klaus said as he opened the door and left through it, not stopping to wait.
Ainz looked to Claudia who gave a shallow nod, and upon seeing that stood up from his chair once more. "It was a pleasure to meet you all. Good day," Ainz then said before following Klaus out of the room.
Outside he saw one of the knights dashing down the hall away from Klaus, who let out a sigh and turned to Ainz. "Follow me. We are heading to the throne room. Claudia will join us shortly."
Ainz began following Klaus down the hallway, and only when he was far enough and no one else was around did he speak up. "Would I be correct in guessing that she has decided to take my suggestion in stride?"
"For the most part. There are a few things we have decided upon that are additional or slightly different and shall not budge on, but I do not believe they will be an issue for you," Klaus said as the pair arrived at the throne room and walked inside.
"And they are?" Ainz asked in very slight worry.
"As you had suggested, we will make it clear you are a traveling mercenary from a far distant land. However you will be required to register yourself as such, simple paperwork so you can receive an mercenary bangle to be legal."
"Intelligent. What else?"
"Your reward for saving the two knights was information, and your second reward is Hara being allowed to become your apprentice, but only if she agrees to such. You are also being given a small sum of Coins so that you may act as you will in Eostia. As after today you will not be considered a guest in the castle any longer unless again invited as such."
"Also fair. I had intended to ask Hara for her thoughts on such a thing, and if she refused I, well, let's not get into that."
"You do not need to hide your disgust with her situation from me sir Gown, I did not care for it either. Her innocence was obvious to me, but our laws were clear at the time and the church abhors all forms of dark magic and are the ones to lead criminal cases.
"Ah. That does explain much. Religion should not be a part of trials in my opinion," Ainz said with a slight shake of his head. "Anything else, or is that all?"
"You may take mercenary contracts or join a mercenary band as you wish, something that may become easy soon when your presence is divulged across the city and the lands," Klaus took a breath and let it out. "However, Claudia insists you go with her when she returns to Thorn in a couple weeks as she is insistent that you to meet Lady Celestine herself."
"For what reason?" Ainz asked instantly. The idea of meeting the leader of the lands alliance had both good points and bad. Unfortunately, assuming that she was indeed somehow a goddess, the bad possibilities outweighed the good.
"She did not tell me, but I believe it has to do with having your work as a mercenary for the alliance itself directly, and such a thing would require the consent of all members of the alliance, including Reborn Goddess herself."
"And that is something she is not budging on, isn't it?" Ainz asked, expecting the answer to not be in his favor
"That is correct. She even went so far as to say it could be made into a mandatory mercenary contract if needed."
Ainz groaned lightly at both being right and finding out that mandatory contracts for mercenaries were a thing. "I assume from the way things are being said, I will have free reign to go where I like until, and after, the Princess Knight is ready to head for Thorn?"
"Yes. And do not worry, the funds we shall give you should last you these two weeks without issue," Klaus said before looking to the side, then back to Ainz. "There is one last thing. Hara may be your apprentice but she will still have the choker on that stops her from using magic. It can only be removed by Lady Celestine, so I believe that may perhaps be another reason for her insisting you accompany her to Thorn."
"Hmmm, I doubt it will stop me from having to go, but I may have a way to remove that choker," Ainz mused to himself, only realizing he had been speaking out loud when he noticed Klaus staring at him in shock.
Before either could speak up again the sound of footfalls pulled their attention to the door just as a knight came in with Hara behind her. "Lord Scholar, I have brought the criminal as you requested."
"Thank you, you may leave now," Klaus said, much to the Knights surprise.
"Sir?"
"I will be quiet safe; do not worry. Besides you will be informed as to her fate later today,"
The knight bowed and then walked out, allowing Hara herself to step further in. Instead of the knight armor Ainz had first seen her in she was wearing a simple off brown sundress without any sort of detailing of the like on it. It was likely a dress for the wounded or criminals, though it was hard to tell which it could be. She stepped into the room, her one leg moving slightly awkwardly as her foot refused to stand straight, likely a result of her bone being mended improperly. "I take it I am to be executed then?" Hara asked in a very disconnected tone, as if already having given up an and all hope.
"No, actually," Klaus spoke up, causing Hara to suddenly look up in utter shock.
"Then, may I ask why I am here?"
"You are here because the Princess Knight and I have come to an understanding with Sir Gown here that answers a number of issues that had been waiting to be resolved. He requires someone to help him around our lands until he has a way to return to his own, and the knights require you out of the picture as with the limo you cannot be a knight. He has offered to take you on as his apprentice and guide, as a form of reward for destroying the Dark Queens army that would have attacked two days ago."
"Only if you wish to accept of course," Ainz spoke up with a nod. "I have no interest in the horrid practice of slavery after all.
Hara looked at both of them, her expression surprised, but still rather held back. "So, I am not being executed and, I'm going to be Sir Gown's apprentice?" Hara asked in disbelief.
"If you would like as such," Ainz said as he took a step forward. "I have found no way to return to my own lands as of yet, so I will be here for much longer than anticipated and a guide will prove useful. It is also about time I took an apprentice, and learning of this lands magic would also be useful. If you would like the position, it is open to you."
"So, I could learn magic again?" Hara asked, her expression unchanging as she spoke with a glimmer in her eyes.
"That is correct," Ainz responded.
"Yes, but you would have to wait until the choker is removed by the Goddess reborn," Klaus spoke up.
"No, I do not think I will wait for such a thing," Ainz said as he walked in front of Hara and held out a finger, lightly touching the choker as he debated on which spell to use. The more powerful was likely better just in case. "Greater Destroy magic item."
With a cracking noise that was not unlike Glass shattering the Collar broke in two, the pieces falling to the ground and crumbling into dust. Both Klaus and Hara stared at it in shock, and a moment later Ainz looked up to see that Claudia had just entered the room as well. And judging by her expression she had witnessed the items destruction too.
"Impossible! That was made by Lady Celestine herself. No one should be able to destroy such a thing!"
Ainz turned to Claudia as he spoke "Perhaps it is due to my magic being different that that in these lands?"
"No, it is not simply a case of magic! Lady Celestine is a Goddess reborn. People cannot simply, undo a Goddesses work!" Claudia exclaimed as she stormed over and looked at Ainz, and then at Hara and back to Ainz. "She agreed then I assume?"
"I did, yes," Hara spoke up quickly. As she took a nervous step away from Claudia, who then turned her glare to her.
"For using Dark magic I believe you should have been executed long ago, but it seems you will be out of my hair nonetheless. I had hoped to bring you before Lady Celestine so she could simply refuse to remove the choker as well, but it seems that is not viable. Nevertheless, both of you will be accompanying me in two weeks to head to Thorn to meet the Goddess Reborn. This is not negotiable."
"So I have already heard," Ainz spoke up in a rather dry tone.
Claudia continued to stare at Hara in clear annoyance. "Know that you do not have another chance, girl if you are found guilty of crimes, even as this mages apprentice, your judgment will be carried out!"
"I understand," Hara said as she returned Claudia's gaze.
"Good," Claudia said as she turned back to Ainz. "I would suggest the first thing you do is register as a mercenary. I have told the merchants guild, as well as the knights and Father what is being done, and they do not like it. If you do not register as a mercenary, they will come looking for you."
"Thank you for the suggestion, it sounds like a wonderful idea," Ainz said in a tone that sounded happy, but was anything but. "I assume we would be meeting here at the castle in two weeks for departure to Thorn then? And that until then my time is truly my own once more?"
"That is correct," Claudia said before scowling and pointing t Ainz. "Do not make me regret giving you this leniency. If you do not show up, I will make sure you are hunted down to the ends of the land for abusing the leniency you have been given. Understand?"
"I do, yes," was Ainz's simple reply.
"Good, then I will see you in two weeks when we leave for Thorn," Claudia said as she turned and left the room as quickly as she had suddenly appeared.
"Sir Gown, please do not think too harshly of my wife. She is under much stress all the time from both our father and the merchants guild, a s well as the cities local nobility and the decisions to go along with your suggestion will admittedly cause us much difficulty for many days, if not weeks," Klaus said in a calm yet hopeful tone.
Ainz looked at Klaus for a moment before sighing. "Honest, or polite?"
Klaus looked at him for a moment before nodding. "Honest please."
"I do not like the Princess Knight, or you admittedly Lord scholar," Ainz said seriously. "I find you to be spineless and a sad excuse for a scholar and mage, and she far too arrogant yet single minded in her endeavors. I do not wish to continue to deal with either of you now that I have what I need and have learned what I could here, but considering the situation I will be here again in two weeks to travel to thorn. Despite having no wish to meet your lands Reborn Goddess."
"Klaus looked at Ainz for a moment in clear surprise, but then gave a small sigh and nodded. " I admit, I may be a bit, less direct than I could be, and while I do not agree with what you say, I thank you for being honest with me. Honesty is not something I seem much of from people other than my wife. Thank you."
"This is hardly something you should be thanking me for."
"Perhaps," Klaus agreed as he took out a cloth pouch. "Here is the coinage you have been promised. You will find ninety brass pieces, fifty electrum pieces and two of gold. Enough for many days of stay at any inn, as well as food and equipment for whatever you need to do to acquire more funds on your own."
"Thank you," Ainz said as he took the coin pouch and felt its weight." I believe we shall take our leave now."
"Yes, of course," Klaus said with a nod as he took a step back. "Would you like an escort out of the castle?"
"I do not think that will be necessary," Ainz said as he looked to Hara, who simply nodded slightly.
"Of course. Please be in good health sir gown. Perhaps we can meet under more, amiable circumstances In the future," Klaus said as he took another step back, making it clear that Ainz was to leave the room first.
"Hmm, we will see about that," Ainz simply responded as he walked out of the throne room and down the hall until he figured he was out of earshot of Klaus. "Which way gets us out of here and into the city?"
"Uhm, this way," Hara said uncertainly as she sped up to go ahead of Ainz, then almost stopped and began favoring her one leg as she walked. "Um, Sir Gown. May I ask you a few questions?"
"Yes, what would you like to ask?" Ainz replied as he slow down a bit, finding it rather painful to watch Hara attempting to force herself to move faster with the way her limp was affecting her. He would need to see if there was a way to fix it.
"Then . . . .why did you go this far for me?"
"Hmmm, for the reasons I said," Ainz admitted as he thought them over and found them to indeed be rather simple. "I did not find the treatment of your situation to be fair and to let someone I saved be executed for being inured feels wrong. I do need a guide as well, and teaching another is a good way to confirm ones knowledge and learn of this land," Ainz paused before chuckling. "I suppose it is also because an old friend of mine once told me that if people are in need of help you can give, then you give it."
"I see . . . then, what will I be learning as your apprentice?"
"I believe the first thing will be seeing how vast your knowledge of this lands magic is so that I can properly compare mine to my own. We will see from there," Ainz answered as he gave some thought to his immediate plans. "I believe the first thing we will need to do however is to acquire you some more proper clothing that is not a medical gown. Equipment will be something you need as well. Do you have any suggestions as to where to find either?"
"Um, I know a few tailors in the city that likely will not refuse serving me," Hara responded, making it clear her prior rank and position was something at least somewhat publicly known and resisted. "Um, may I make a request?"
"In regards to what?"
"Travel," Hara said uncertainly as the two of them came out of a large open doorway to see an expansive city below them.
The buildings all appeared to be made of grey or brown stone with roofs of clay tile. The sounds of people milling about was omnipresent even at a distance, and just from a distant glance Ainz could see many people from different lots of life and of different races. He managed to stop staring and answer Hara a second later. "To?"
"I . . . . . . would like to visit my old hometown. It is six days southeast of here."
Ainz thought about it for a second before speaking. "May I know why perhaps? I am not against it, I am simply curious.
"Um, . . . I never got the chance, to bury my family," Hara admitted in a tone that sounded vaguely pained, but still rather distant and disconnected.
"You mean, years ago?"
"Yes. Survivors were brought to the city right away and then I was brought to the magicians guild, while Melodie joined the knights academy. I just, wish to go there. Just once. I need to see it."
Ainz almost stopped mid-step but managed to resist the desire and instead let out an exasperated sigh. How many basic things were people here denied regularly? It was something he would need to find out, and traveling could be a good time to speak of such things and learn others. After all, learning this lands magic, and seeing if its locals could learn his would be important pieces of knowledge. "I see no issue with that. We can leave tomorrow so that we can gather what we need today," Ainz decide as they went down the steps toward the city. Only to realize a few second later that Hara had stopped a few meters behind him. "Is something wrong?"
"No, I mean . . . I have one last question," Hara said as she looked side to side, her eyes holding a strange glint of emotion and curiosity as she came down to stand beside Ainz and looked around again, as if making sure no one was near them.
"And that is?"
"You aren't alive, are you?"