Author's note: The events of this fanfiction don't pick up directly after the events of Volume 13. Remember when Maruyama said in an interview that some countries would fall in the prologue? Well this is kinda me emulating that. Well anyway this prologue builds the underlying premise that will be the main mover for the plot I had in mind. So if you're interested then please read through this. As boring as it may or may not be I did put a lot of effort in writing it. Oh, and in this fanfic the Re-Estize kingdom's already fallen so yeah.

Disclaimer: I don't own Overlord

Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself, the Third Princess of the Re-Estize Kingdom, the Golden Princess, the genius who brought about major reform, and the kindhearted angel who truly loved her people. Renner had many titles attached to her name. And while most of them were public knowledge there was one that only a select few were aware of. Amongst them there was probably only one who was her direct family.

That title was, Traitor, traitor to her family, to her kingdom, and even to her own race. This was the true form of the so-called "Golden Princess", but befitting an individual of her detestableness she kept that truth firmly hidden under wraps. Out of all the people she was hiding it from there were only two possible leaks one of which had long been assassinated by Renner's masters along with his family soon after he left the public eye, and the other was set for execution today.

She was currently walking with her personal knight, Climb, in order to meet with that person and so soon enough that person would cease to exist and the threats to her true nature would disappear.

"Fuu... everything is going exactly according to plan isn't it? Truly, Demiurge-sama and Albedo-sama are competent, aside from myself I don't know anybody as capable as they are. Oh, and perhaps that master of theirs too. I've never actually met him but from the way those two lavish praise upon him he must be quite extraordinary... ufufu, I can't wait for the execution. If I'm lucky perhaps I'll get to have a conversation with the great master I've been hearing so much about."

Renner had been quite lost in her thoughts as she walked and since Climb who misunderstood her silence for grief had not said anything, she ended up pondering about her hypothetical conversation with Ainz Ooal Gown until they finally reached their destination.

"...Renner-sama, we're here."

With some hesitance, Climb called out to her who looked distant, as if her mind was far away despite her physical presence in the area.

Upon hearing Climb speak, Renner finally returned to reality. With the skill of a trained actor she immediately got into character. Moments later a somber expression formed on her face and with pained but resolved eyes she reached her hand out to the door in front of her.

As expected, a rough but warm hand enveloped her own before she could touch the door. And his words followed soon after.

"Renner-sama! I understand how painful this must be for you, surely Renner-sama with her kind heart does not want to see her family killed! That is why-"

With saddened eyes on the verge of tears, Renner interrupted Climb who was getting quite heated.

"That is why what? Climb?"

Seeing his mistress on the brink of tears, Climb faltered for a moment. But he soon regathered his words and said his next lines firmly and with resolve.

"That is why we do not have to accept the Sorcerer King's terms!"

Renner's expression fell, and with full blown tears dripping down her cheeks she solemnly proclaimed.

"If we do not accept his terms, then the people will starve of hunger. He will not provide us his support if Father and Brother aren't executed. Furthermore, the people...they're angry, Climb. They want blood. They wouldn't be happy until Father and Brother are no longer among the living."

It was bad for Renner, who was a vassal, to speak badly about her master, and certainly if Demiurge were to find out about this she would not go unscathed. However, as long as it not spread any further than Climb then the risk shouldn't get too high. The reason she insisted on doing this despite the risk was because her martyr image in Climb's eyes would solidify, and she would surely increase his affection and love towards her. Just the thought of it sent shivers up Renner's spine. And sure enough she was correct as Climb had made a spirited response trying to save her from her sad but endearing fate as a martyr.

"With Renner-sama's genius, I'm sure you could find a way to save our people without the Sorcerer King's aid-"

Renner cut Climb off with a decisive answer.

"It is impossible. There is simply no other way."

Climb's expression loosened. In his mind, Renner's word was law and so he likely thought that if Renner said it was impossible then it was most assuredly impossible. Yet, despite that Climb, like the lovable idiot that he is was desperately wracking his brains in an attempt to come up with something to help his beloved mistress.

Seeing Climb try so hard for her sake with a frustrated look on his face only sent Renner's heart into further frenzy and in the heat of the moment she took her acting a little further than she had planned.

Breaking out into ugly tears and wailing, Renner began to stutter like a child.

"I-If only, I was smarter! Then this m-might not hhave happened. I'm such a failure!"

As expected Climb became completely flustered as he hurriedly comforted his wailing mistress.

"It is absolutely not Renner-sama's fault! How could it have been! I was always there, you've always tried so hard! Nobody else tried as hard as you, you were the one who placed your citizens at heart the most." Climb paused and fixed her with a pained but passionate gaze before delivering his last words.

"That's why Renner-sama please don't ever say such things... it makes me sad to hear it, and it is most certainly not true."

The thoughts "Ah. It was a mistake to meet his eyes." crossed Renner's mind as she felt nothing but delight while basking in Climb's warm gaze. At the moment she wanted nothing more than to grab him firmly by the chin and enjoy his warmth a little longer, but unfortunately she had a job to do.

"Ah. It's no good, I must escape Climb as fast as possible before I lose all control."

To distract herself, Renner quickly shook away Climb's arm and entered the room while leaving her fantasies behind with Climb who stood guard outside the room.

As she entered, the faces of the room's two captives immediately raised to look at her. While they had both looked at her at the same time, their reactions were so different it was comical. While one was extremely happy with some sadness, the other was just hateful and scared. Needless to say this was the difference between one who knew her true nature, and one who was clueless.

Renner's eyes surveyed the room in the split second they took to meet the gaze of her father, one of the men confined to the room.

The room they were in was a magnificent guest room only slightly inferior in quality to the royal bedrooms. And at the bedside table was a large array of dishes... left uneaten.

Renner inwardly frowned at this.

"How distasteful..."

Renner, as a demonstration of filial piety, had been generous enough to provide her father and brother with not only a luxurious room, but a good meal as well. And yet neither of them seemed to understand how generous she was much less show some gratitude. To them this was probably common sense considering they were family, but Renner didn't see it that way.

"Perhaps I should have left them in the dungeons with no food like we do with anyone set to be executed... but then if I did that my princess act could be exposed and Climb might grow to hate me... haaa, how troublesome."

While Renner wanted to quickly have her family killed, she endured for the sake of her relationship with Climb. So, despite her inner wishes, she nevertheless spoke in a way befitting her character.

"Father, Brother. I am so sorry that this was the only way we could find to save the people... I-I have failed as a princess of this country. But most importantly, I've failed as a family member. Please forgive me!"

Seeing her torn, tear-filled expression, her father began to tear up as well as he placed a hand over her cheek and spoke to her.

While Renner wanted nothing more than to slap the old man's filthy hand away, she had a role to play and so she endured by simply fantasizing that it was instead Climb who was holding her in this way. Unfortunately, she took it too far and her face grew red from being a little too heated. Fortunately her father mistook her maidenly blush for intense grief. He believed that the red coloring her cheeks was the same red that would cover a child who cried too much or was about to cry a large amount. So, he hurriedly pulled her into an embrace and rubbed her back in a soothing manner as he spoke words of martyrdom in an effort to calm her.

"As a father I have failed you, but as a former monarch, and royalty dying in service of my nation is the best death this old fool could ask for. My only regret is that Zanach must make this sacrifice with me and that I will have to leave you alone."

At her father's words and the woeful expression on his face, Renner kept crying as she forced out her next words.

"Father, I-I'm not alone! Though it is a bit late, please before you leave this world, I ask that you accept Climb as my personal knight and partner."

Contrary to what she expected, her father revealed an expression of acceptance rather than rejection.

"But of course, my precious girl! Remember, you're queen now. Nobody but the Sorcerer King could tell you what to do."

Her father briefly paused, and his expression turned into a stern one.

"But remind that Climb that if he harms even a single hair on my daughter I will come back from the grave to haunt him!"

After that startling declaration, Renner merely looked up at her father mouth agape before bursting out into giggling and laughter. Seeing this her father as well let out a hearty laugh. Meanwhile, Zanach could do nothing but tremble. There was nothing he could say to his sister, and nothing he could do to his sister. He knew that. And thus he could only glare at her. As Renner was sharing that moment with her father, she had felt his hateful gaze the whole time. Though she had simply ignored it as it was nothing more than the whining from a defeated dog.

Renner and her father lost themselves in nostalgic conversation. They formed such a blissful picture that it would be almost impossible to think that one of them was going to be killed that day and it was the other one's own actions that were spearheading it.

After losing themselves in an hour of conversation, something finally broke the mood.

"Renner-sama... I'm afraid it's time..."

Instantly Renner's face fell, and she had a gloomy expression once more. His father only cupped her cheeks in his hands before planting a single kiss on her forehead. With tears in his eyes he only said one thing to her.

"I love you Renner. Now go and forget about this old man. And live your life the way you want as much as possible."

"Yes father, I understand."

The door behind Renner opened with a thud, and several guards marched in. With knowing gazes, her father and brother walked off with the guards as their escorts. They were likely headed for the execution grounds.

As her father passed by Climb, he gave him a nod.

"I'll leave her to you Climb."

"Understood, your majesty."

"Heh, I'm not your majesty any longer. Just call me dad."

With those parting words her father disappeared down the hallway leaving a bashful Climb with reddened cheeks. Despite the situation, it seems being acknowledged by the former king as Renner's partner had embarrassed the knight a great deal.

"Ufufu, Climb is so cute!~"

Unfortunately, Renner had to chase him away once more as she had another important meeting to hold in the same room she had met her family.

"Climb, could you leave me here for a bit."

"... Of course Renner-sama. Take as long as you need."

Though hesitant, Climb agreed to Renner's words and stepped outside, closing the door behind him.

From within her pockets, Renner took out a crystal and crushed it. As she did so a magical aura poured out from the crushed crystal. This aura poured out and proceeded to cover the entire room.

This crystal was an anti-eavesdropping item lent to her by Demiurge-sama, and she was required to use it before calling for them.

"Shadow Demon. Please call the masters."

The shadow beneath her feet seemed to distort for a bit, but it soon returned to normal.

After the shadow returned to a normal state, a large purple gate that seemed to lead into the depths of the abyss opened up from within the room. And stepping out from it were two of her superiors. One of whom she was meeting for the very first time. Renner could not stop her heart from beating quickly due to her excitement and eagerness.

Instantly taking a knee, Renner forcefully calmed herself before speaking.

"This one gives her most humble greetings to His Majesty, The Sorcerer King, Master of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz Ooal Gown-sama"

She paused for breath before adding.

"And Demiurge-sama as well."

After her greeting she kept her head bowed and merely waited to be told to raise her head. If it were Demiurge-sama or Albedo-sama then they would have immediately had her raise her head shortly after she took a knee, but Ainz Ooal Gown did not do this. In fact he did not do a single thing, and for a moment everything was awkwardly still.

"Did I do something to displease him"

Renner wondered

"I tried to leave a good first impression, but could it be... did I fail already. How vexing. To think I would fail to leave a favorable first impression this is certainly a first."

Even Demiurge-sama thought highly of her and had told her as much when they first got in contact. But the reaction of their master was stone cold. No word, nor gesture. His dark eye sockets merely peered into her own sapphire-like eyes.

After what seemed like forever, the man finally spoke.

"I trust everything is going according to plan?"

"He's not going to let me raise my head?!"

Though Renner had such thoughts, she did not let them show on her face as she skillfully replied.

"Yes. Everything is proceeding according to plan."

"Ah, you may raise your head."

As if he had only just remembered, Ainz-sama let out a sound of surprise before telling her to raise her head. And although she sensed that he was implying that her worth was low enough that he had simply forgotten about letting her raise her head, she remained passive and did not let a single trace of displeasure to show up on her features. After all, in this situation a single frown could incur Demiurge-sama's wrath. Knowing better than to voice any objections, Renner remained silent.

"Well then Princess Renner. Since we have confirmed that everything is well on your end I will go ahead to another room to prepare for my speech later. You may address any further questions and discuss further details with Demiurge.

Ainz-sama then cast some sort of spell and disappeared from sight.

After his disappearance, Renner internally sighed in relief. Although she felt disappointed at their rather lackluster first encounter, she felt that it was just him testing her. It was as if he was saying, "Prove that you are worthy of my time."

It was only her first encounter with him, and it was only for a short few minutes but Renner could already feel unfathomable intelligence from the entity, Ainz Ooal Gown.

"It seems like Demiurge-sama, and Albedo-sama were not exaggerating when they sung praises of their master's capabilities."

Renner was completely unaware that at that moment in an unseen place, a certain skeleton overlord was rolling about on the floor complaining about how creepy and embarrassing it was when people not from Nazarick reacted to him in the same manner that the NPC's did.

And so, Renner continued the discussion with Demiurge. The discussion on how to take total control over the Kingdom and achieve some semblance of order.

"Well then Demiurge-sama, shall we begin?"

Demiurge took a seat at the front of the prepared table.

"Yes, let us. However, let's not take too long I would rather not keep Ainz-sama waiting."

"Of course."

With a flick of his tail and a sip of some tea, Demiurge continued.

"So, for our first item on the agenda. Your new duties as Nazarick's newest Area Guardian.

Hours later...

In a private room within the Re-Estize Kingdom's palace, a certain archdemon was lowering his head in apology to an undead king.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting, Ainz-sama."

Demiurge apologized with his head in a 45 degree angle, his tail which was usually slowly flicking about remained stiff and upright.

"It's quite alright Demiurge, I imagine you had a lot to tend to and plan out."

Ainz waved off his apology and motioned to the chair beside him.

"Please sit down."

Demiurge showed a look of hesitance.

"To sit beside Ainz-sama, I could never do such a thing so casually."

"I insist. You must be tired right Demiurge? Rest your feet."

Or so, Ainz said but in truth he simply had a very important question to ask Demiurge and he felt that a casual environment as the two of them sat would be the best situation to bring up his question in.

"Ainz-sama, this vassal of yours would work himself to the bone if it were for your sake. But nevertheless, such a small amount of work couldn't possibly tire me to the point of needing to sit beside Ainz-sama."

But it seemed Demiurge was not going to make it easy, and so Ainz gave up.

"To force him to sit despite his insistence on not doing so would be putting the cart before the horse. If he doesn't want to sit then I shall create the situation I need by matching him."

Ainz drew from his experience as a salaryman, and decided to match Demiurge rather than forcing Demiurge to match him. Ainz slowly stood up and walked to the center of the room. Demiurge followed from a safe distance behind him.

"Umu, now... for the real challenge."

"Demiurge, I will be giving a speech before the execution, correct?"

"Yes, Ainz-sama. I would like to say I am extremely excited to witness how you will bind this country with your words. Just the thought of witnessing your brilliance so openly sends shivers down my spine"

"Hmm? Surely you expect to much of me Demiurge. I will merely be speaking, how could I, with mere words, possibly outdo all the careful planning you and Albedo have put into smoothly usurping and integrating the Re-Estize Kingdom into our Sorcerer Kingdom."

At his words, Demiurge showed a self-depreciating smile.

"There's no need to try to cheer me up Ainz-sama. I am already well aware that the gap between us is unbridgeable..."

Demiurge paused for a moment as if gathering his resolve.

"But nevertheless, I am determined to keep trying to build that bridge. No matter how futile an effort it may be. It is a loyal servant's duty to strive to reach his master so that he may be useful."

"I see. K-Keep up the hard work, Demiurge."

"Of course, Ainz-sama."

Inwardly, Ainz wanted to roll around the floor in embarrassment.

"Aaaaah, It seems like every time I speak with Demiurge his vision of me strays farther from the truth. At this rate they'll even worship the very grounds I walk on - ah, wait they already do that..."

"Anyways Demiurge. There is a matter I wanted to clear up with you."

Ainz cleared his non-existent throat.

"Our actions this time were to create a third noble party that would act foolishly, to empty their reserves of food consequently bringing famine to the nation as a whole, and to spark a physical conflict between our puppet third party and the royal family, correct?"

Demiurge nodded.

"I see. And the goals of these actions were to create unrest and anger within the populace making them susceptible to propaganda and more open to a change of regime, is that right?"

"That is correct, Ainz-sama. While I cannot account for the merits and flaws that you yourself have spotted. That about sums up the plan that Albedo and I had concocted. Furthermore, considering that all the resources that were expended are from the Eight Fingers organization, and the fact that the food and money we'll be using to appease the Kingdom's citizens came from them in the first place, Nazarick's net loss is zero."

"Zero, you say? We smuggled a lot of food and wealth out of the kingdom but is the amount we took really enough to appease the people?"

"Ordinarily it would not be so, but our operation in the kingdom's capital a few years ago served as a sort of preliminary operation to thoroughly cripple the kingdom so the population has decreased enough that our current resources can provide for the majority of the populace. Furthermore we still have plenty of the resources we reaped from that operation so by using that to supplement what we're missing we will be able to attend to the citizens without having to use Nazarick's real resources."

"Haah, as expected from Demiurge. Even something we did years ago is contributing to out current plans, what a monstrous intellect."

Despite knowing well that Demiurge was very capable, Ainz still found himself getting impressed by the depths of his subordinate's considerations.

"Umu, I understand now. As expected of Demiurge, to think that we would lose nothing even as we give things away. I am blessed to have you."

Demiurge's face lit up at the unexpected praise, but this lasted for only a brief moment. As he once again showed Ainz that self-depreciating smile of his.

"Hardly. If it were Ainz-sama creating the plan, I am sure the plan would have even allowed us to earn as we gave things away."

Demiurge shook his head and let out a soft chuckle.

"I truly have a long way to go. I am always in awe of your grandeur, Ainz-sama. Well, regardless, it seems it's almost time for your scheduled speech to the people."

"I see."

Having confirmed what he wanted to confirm, Ainz decided to cut their conversation off lest he show the floor guardian something unsightly.

Ainz's non-existent heartbeat thumped at a rapid pace.

"Fuuu, haaaa, fuuu. Calm down Ainz, it's only a speech. You've given many speeches in your lifetime haven't you?"

Normally Ainz would not have been so nervous with giving a speech to the common people of this world. After all he had done it several times before. But this speech was different. For one, Demiurge was going to be watching, and for another this speech was going to be from him to the general public. Therefore, his usual tactics were rendered useless. The classic, "Demiurge, explain it to them." was not something he could employ. Furthermore since these citizens did not worship him like Nazarick's denizens did, it would not be easy to guide their thoughts into a favorable impression of him. Thus, Ainz was very anxious. If he made a fool of himself in this speech, then he could very well expose his true nature in front of Demiurge. If the Guardians lost faith in him because of this, Ainz would never be able to live down the shame.

"Ahhh, I hope my speech works out well. If all else fails I could probably try to use the, "creating faults on purpose" trick, but it might not work in such a situation. Ughh. If it's like this I should have just stayed at Nazarick doing desk-work."

As Ainz was drowning in his nerves, there was a knock on the door. Afterwards, the sweet voice of Princess Renner flowed into the room.

"Your Majesty, the execution will begin shortly. Might I request that you be nearby."

"Already?!"

While those were his true thoughts, of course Ainz could not let such words come out from his mouth. So he forcibly subdued his impulse to run away and struggled to maintain his cool, suave front.

"Well then, Demiurge. Let us depart."

"Certainly, Ainz-sama."

And so the odd trio set off for the gallows where most of the royal family and the nobles "responsible" for the recent conflicts in the Re-Estize kingdom lay waiting.

After some walking, they finally arrived at the location. The princess and Demiurge both stood behind the podium where the gallows were placed. They stood to the sides of the stairs, thus opening a path for Ainz.

Ainz hesitated for a moment, but after glancing at Demiurge's expectant face. He sighed inwardly, and walked up to the podium. Unsurprisingly, there were no cheers when he showed himself to the people. There was only an eerie silence as all their eyes were focused on Ainz watching his every move. The tension in the air was clear, and it didn't show signs of disappearing anytime soon. This seemed to displease Demiurge who frowned, but as this was within their expectations Demiurge managed to remain subdued and simply frowned from the back.

Ainz gulped, as he prepared himself mentally to begin speaking. He decided to completely forget about Demiurge and speak to the people like he would if it were just him and the people. He had preached quite a bit in the Holy Kingdom and it had turned out all right, and besides it wouldn't do to be too nervous. Or so went Ainz's thought process as he cast voice enhancing magic over himself and spoke.

"Former citizens of the Re-Estize Kingdom, and my current citizens of the Sorcerer Kingdom."

Ainz paused to allow his words to sink in, and sink in it did. Varied reactions sprung forth from the audience. Many shuddered, some showed open displeasure on their faces, while a scant few remained as attentive as they were at the beginning and merely observed Ainz. Sensing that they were closely listening, Ainz went on.

"Your Kingdom has been through a lot these past few months, your food was stolen, your friends and family put in harms way over some petty squabble between the nobles and royals. A battle for the throne had cost many of your lives. Plenty of you who stand before me today have lost plenty. And even before this period, life in the capital could not be said to be a happy one. In short, your king has failed you. The figures that were supposed to protect and provide for you in exchange for your loyal service has abused and exploited you instead. Is this not true? And does this not make you angry?"

This time murmurs of agreement rose up from within the crowd, but many more were silent. So, Ainz decided to up the ante a little bit.

"I for one would be furious if such a thing were to be done to me. And that's why these men are here before you in this state today. I have brought them to their knees in order for them to repent with their lives! The crime of forsaking ones duty has no equal in this world. It is the gravest of crimes and must be punished fittingly. These-"

Ainz was unable to finish what he wanted to say as one of the nobles who were tied up by the gallows had suddenly shouted at him.

"Shut your mouth you damned undead! Do you not understand of whom you are speaking about? How dare a mere city-state king like you speak so arrogantly to a great noble like me?!"

The noble paused to spit in Ainz's direction.

"Do you think the other nations would take kindly to your actions here? You may have powerful military might, but before the combined might of the Theocracy, and the Holy Kingdom you will be trampled underfoot! Your days are numbered, Sorcerer King! And I, the Great Philip will be there to watch as you get what you deserve!"

"[Be silent you mongrel!]"

Demiurge who couldn't hold it in any longer suddenly used Comman Mantra to shut the noble up.

With that the noble's outburst ceased and he simply glared at Ainz. Ainz glanced at Demiurge who seemed like he wanted to tear the man who called himself Philip limb from limb, before continuing his speech. While he hadn't planned this event, he decided to make use of it anyway. With a grand wave of his hand he gestures towards Philip.

"This is one of the men who are supposed to govern over you? This foolish waste of space is nobility? No, I think not. He is nothing more than a failure. Weak, and stupid. That is why he kneels before me today because he is weak. I on the other hand an strong. With me as your ruler you will never again experience these dark days. You will live lives with full bellies and happy families."

Ainz paused to assess the crowd's reaction, but many were still dubious if him. And so he decided to utilize his trump card.

"I know you doubt me. And why wouldn't you I'm an undead creature. My hate for the living is insatiable. However, I am a man of my word. I told you I would feed you. I told you I would provide for you... I did not lie."

Ainz paused for dramatic effect before opening a [Gate] Spell near the crowd. Through the [Gate] Spell came several wagons of food and money being rolled along by the homunculus maids. The people gawked at the sight. First, at the beautiful maids, but when their eyes were drawn to the food and money. Excitement seemed to spread throughout the crowd like wildfire.

"Oho, it seems I have their attention now."

Seeing that the crowd was beginning to get unsettled at the sudden appearance of fresh food and money, Ainz quickly spoke.

"All of you will get free food and coins until you are back on your feet and capable of function. This is the first step towards fulfilling my promise. As for the second step..."

Ainz turned an icy gaze towards the nobles and royals who were tied up.

"[Mass Teleportation]"

He raised his hand and used a spell to transport them to where the crowd was, making both them and the crowd confused.

"I am a king who not only gives you what you need, I am also a king who gives you the ability to give yourselves what you need. Those are the men that slighted you. Do with them as you please."

For a moment, nobody dared move a muscle. They simply stared at the group of nobles who were kneeling and bound before them. Sensing their reluctance, Ainz decided to egg them on.

"Well? What is wrong, my citizens? Are you not going to take what is rightfully yours? Think about your children as you look at these men, think about what THEIR actions have cost you. All that you've lost lies squarely on their shoulders, now I am giving you a chance to punish their insolence yourselves... ARE YOU NOT GOUNG TO TAKE IT?!"

At Ainz's provocation, one man stepped out fron the crowd, walked over and gave the noble, Philip, a heavy punch. This action became the signal for all hell to break loose. The citizens, having forgotten about the food and wealth, swarmed the nobles and royals eager to get a jab in.

For the next few minutes the only sounds that could be heard was stomping and screaming. In the end, the nobles and royals were not executed by hanging or decapitation. They instead met thier ends at the hands and feet of the common people. Simply put, they were beaten to death. After the swell of rage had subsided, Ainz finally spoke again.

"I hope that with this you will all understand what kind of king I am!"

And so Ainz made to leave the podium. Despite his theatrics, it seemed like he was unable to sway the crowd.

"Hm? No reaction? Did it really not wo-"

Ainz's thoughts were cut off by one man's fervent shout.

"Long live the Sorcerer King! Long live His Majesty!"

Followed by another shout, then another, and another still. Soon enough the entire crowd was cheering for him in a way that made you believe their past reactions never happened at all.

Demiurge smiled as Ainz walked over to him.

"Magnificently done, Ainz-sama. For a speech thought up on the spot it truly displayed your magnificence in full. Even I myself would have needed at least an hour to compose a speech that exploited the people's feelings so well. And how you incited that noble to lash out in order to further cement your point was truly brilliant."

"I practiced that for three weeks! And that noble's reaction was not planned at all though!"

Ainz wanted to retort, but since doing so would break his image he had no choice but to leave the misunderstanding alone.

By Demiurge's side, Princess Renner spoke up.

"I agree your Majesty, your ability knows no equal."

"Umu..."

Aside from Demiurge and the Princess' misunderstanding, there was something else weighing on Ainz's mind.

"Demiurge, did that not strike you as odd?"

A faint frown surfaced from Demiurge's face.

"How so?"

"I understand that the conditions in this kingdom was the absolute worst in this past half-year and that the image of the ruling class had hit rock bottom, after all we had endeavored to make it so, but even still their reaction was a little too fervent, was it not? I never would have expected that the entire crowd would begin crushing those nobles into pulps. It's as if they were taken over by a spell."

Demiurge showed a rare confused look, and after a moment of what seemed to be contemplation he suddenly let out a chuckle.

"Kukuku... yes indeed, Ainz-sama, it truly is as if they were taken over by a spell ."

"U-Umu, indeed."

"Ehhh? Did I miss something? Why is Demiurge laughing?"

Beside Demiurge, Princess Renner also seemed to be holding back laughter. She held a palm to her lips as if desperately trying to keep them shut. Despite her efforts, one could still hear her faint giggling in between words.

"Hihihi-Yes, almost as if-hihi-their emotions were being-hihihi-amplified isn't it? Huhuhu..."

"E-Ehehe-Ehehehehehe"

While Ainz was unsure of what was so funny, an ancient saying suddenly surfaced from his memory. 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do'." As he laughed along with the two, he also desperately wracked his brain for clues on what the two were talking about. As he did so a certain file came to mind.

"Ah! Didn't Demiurge hand me a file detailing the plans for the Kingdom? Oh no... I was so swamped with the work Albedo had given me that I just approved it without reading... perhaps I should read it when I get back to Nazarick."

Making up his mind, Ainz decided to head back to Nazarick with haste. Ainz opened a [Gate].

"Well then, I shall head back now. I'll leave things here to you."

But fate would not allow Ainz to get away so easily.

"Please wait for a moment, might I have a little bit of your time to make a few reports Ainz-sama?"

"E-Er, well alright. I suppose I can make time. What is it?"

Demiurge bowed his head low, before continuing.

"It seems that the situation in the Holy Kingdom is also drawing to a close. There were some unexpected setbacks but everything is almost dealt with at this stage. At that point, may I also request a speech from you, Ainz-sama?"

"Ehhh?! I have to do this again?!... don't tell me that I'm going to do this at every country that we conquer? No, no way, I can't do this again. I'll just refuse. If Demiurge asks the reason I can always tell him to figure it out on his own. If it were him he'd probably think of some genius motive behind not giving a speech."

His mind decided, Ainz replied.

"Demiurge..."

Demiurge looked up at Ainz with a beaming expression. Though his eyes were hidden, one could feel the expectation emanating from his body. It seemed that Demiurge had become enamored with the idea of Ainz giving speeches at every conquered country. Unfortunately, Ainz had no choice but to crush that expectation. He looked at Demiurge once more before speaking.

"... Consider it done."

"Thank you very much, Ainz-sama!"

"Hah... it's no use. How am I supposed to reject it if you ask me like that?"

The situation Ainz found himself in was very similar to a new parent being begged by his puppy eyed son for ice cream. And unfortunately, Ainz did not have the willpower to reject said son.

"As for the second matter I wanted to report, I simply wanted to ask if it's alright for us to absorb the Eight Fingers organization into the Sorcerer Kingdom's government?"

Ainz cupped his chin, as he pondered Demiurge's request.

"Hm, the Eight Fingers you say? They had slighted us once before but they had already paid for that crime in full so I suppose there's no harm in absorbing them into our government. But is that necessary? Weren't we going to let them go start up legitimate businesses as free men?"

"That is true, but Ainz-sama they are a potential information leak. While I highly doubt they would actively leak the information they currently have, for fear of being captured by us, the same cannot be said if they were to be taken away by our hidden enemies. If other beings with power comparable to us were to get a hold of then, then it would be child's play to wring Nazarick's information from them. Taking this into account, I had thought to simply kill them. However, they were extremely useful during our conquest of the Re-Estize kingdom so I thought perhaps we could just keep them close by to prevent leaks as well as continue to make use of their abilities."

Demiurge paused to adjust his glasses.

"Although, I can't imagine they'd be very happy about this decision. Kukuku"

"Oh, I see. Well done Demiurge, the depths of your considerations impress me."

"Your words are too much for me, Ainz-sama. I have a long way to go before I even reach your feet."

"I see. Well then Demiurge, now I shall really get go-"

"Ainz-sama?"

Ainz had turned to once again go through his opened [Gate], but as he was doing so a realization suddenly struck him.

"When we first took over E-Rantel there was a lot of paperwork wasn't there? ... and we haven't even conquered the Holy Kingdom but there was a hellish amount of paperwork after that whole ordeal..."

Ainz suddenly recalled Albedo's parting words with him this morning.

"I'm looking forward to working with you when you return, Ainz-sama."

At the possible future of working on an unbelievable amount of paperwork with Albedo carefully observing him Ainz panicked.

"D-Demiurge!"

"Ainz-sama?"

"Tell Albedo that I will not be able to help her with the administration paperwork for a while. I-I have an important event to plan and manage"

"A-An event, you say?"

Pressed for answers by a confused Demiurge, Ainz's brain went haywire and he blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

"Yes! A-An international fighting tournament."

"I see..."

An awkward silence settled between the two. During this silence, Ainz's panic was stopped by his emotional inhibitor. Realizing what he'd done, Ainz decided to save face by leaving the area immediately. And so, he stepped through the gate leaving a flustered Demiurge to ponder on his words.

Author's note: And that's the prologue. This is pretty much all setup and next chapter will also be mostly setup but I hope it was interesting nonetheless. This is my first time doing this type of fanfiction(and only my second actual fanfic)but I tried my best to make it as "Overlord"-y as I could so I hope it worked. Idk, did I go too far with the whole Royals and nobles being beat too death thing? I also feel like I'm exaggerating Ainz's character a little. Well regardless I hope that those who read this enjoyed it as much as I enjoy writing. If you did(or didn't) then please leave a review. Advice on how to improve the story would be greatly appreciated and follows and favorites would be nice. Well anyway, see you guys next chapter.

P.S.

7,000+ words. Is it a little long for a prologue?