Chapter 7: The Reluctant Audience
The grand hall stood as a testament to power and authority, its opulent decorations a stark contrast to Aiden's anxious presence. With a heart full of determination, he knelt before Albedo, the Guardian Overseer of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Aiden knew that his request would not be well-received, but he had to try, for the sake of his kingdom.
"Lady Albedo," Aiden began, his voice steady despite the unease that lingered within him. "I humbly implore you to grant me an audience with the revered Sorcerer King, Ainz Ooal Gown. I come before you as a representative of Re-Estize, driven by a genuine desire to forge an understanding between our realms."
Albedo's disdain for humans was evident in the coldness of her gaze. She looked down upon Aiden, seemingly unimpressed by his words. "You dare to seek an audience with our Sorcerer King?" she scoffed, her voice laced with disdain. "What makes you think a mere human like yourself is worthy of such an honor?"
Aiden felt a wave of humiliation wash over him, but he refused to let it deter him. He swallowed his pride and pleaded earnestly, his voice tinged with desperation. "Lady Albedo, I understand your reservations, but I beseech you to see beyond our differences. The fate of my kingdom hangs in the balance, and I believe that a dialogue with the Sorcerer King is our only hope for salvation."
Albedo's crimson eyes bore into Aiden, weighing his words and his unwavering determination. Despite her deep-rooted prejudice, a glimmer of curiosity danced within her gaze. She leaned closer, her voice dripping with disdain, yet tinged with reluctant intrigue. "Very well, human. I shall relay your plea to our Sorcerer King, but make no mistake—your chances of success are slim."
Aiden's heart skipped a beat, a flicker of hope rekindling within him. He knew that Albedo's agreement came at a cost, but he was willing to endure any humiliation to protect his people. "Thank you, Lady Albedo," he murmured, his gratitude evident in his voice. "I understand the weight of this favor and will bear any consequences that may arise."
With a dismissive wave of her hand, Albedo turned away, her attention already drifting to matters of greater importance. Aiden rose from his kneeling position, his resolve solidifying in the face of adversity. He knew that gaining an audience with the Sorcerer King would not be easy, but he was prepared to face the trials that awaited him.
As Aiden left the grand hall, he couldn't shake off the lingering sting of Albedo's scorn. However, a glimmer of hope remained. He had managed to break through her initial rejection, and now he had a chance, however slim, to plead his case directly to the enigmatic Sorcerer King.
Aiden would gather his thoughts, meticulously prepare his arguments, and seize the opportunity that had been reluctantly granted to him. It was a daunting task, but he was determined to prove his worth, not just as a human, but as a noble driven by an unwavering desire to save his kingdom.
With newfound determination burning in his eyes, Aiden set forth on his journey, ready to face the challenges that awaited him. He knew that his meeting with the Sorcerer King would be a pivotal moment—one that held the potential to change the fate of Re-Estize and bridge the vast divide between humans and the Sorcerer Kingdom.
Hope fueled his steps, even in the face of uncertainty. Aiden would not falter; he would rise above the humiliation, proving to Albedo and the Sorcerer King that his plea was not made in vain. The destiny of his kingdom and the lives of its people hung in the balance, and he would not rest until he had exhausted every avenue for a peaceful resolution.