Here it was.
Here they came.
In all honesty, it felt quite surreal to hear the report at last. This could have very easily been a joke or a misunderstanding, but no. Even if the reports weren't as reliable as I'd hoped, there wasn't much doubt in my mind as to what was unfolding.
Re-Estize was burning.
Reports began filtering in one by one as the morning sun peeked over the horizon. The first sight of flames caused a collective panic across the land; an attack on outpost villages along the Empire-Kingdom border, with houses, razed to ash by what appeared to be bandits or mercenaries. The coordinated timing of which suggested that the attackers were working in concert, and so speculation was rife that there was indeed a mastermind pulling their strings.
The nobles in the hall squabbled amongst each other, many pointing their fingers at the Bloody Emperor for the upheaval. Of course, not a bad guess: the targeted villages were no more than just a few hours from his side of the border. None of these fools actually cared for people being cut down, too worried that their own estates could be pillaged and looted if the situation wasn't taken care of.
"Boullope, employ your militia!" One noble bellowed, "We cannot let this atrocity stand!"
There was little point in trying to reason with these old idiots when they couldn't even see beyond their own noses…
"My militia is to protect my domain only! Do you know how much I have personally invested in building up such a force?!" Boullope retorted angrily. A heated argument erupted as more voices began clamouring around them.
"Do we sit idle while our lands burn?" One demanded.
"You're all wrong! These are no mercenaries, but the commoners themselves who carry the flag of rebellion!"
"We must see justice done against these brigands! The kingdom must assemble the Warrior Troop—An excursion to the countryside will stifle further chaos!" Another cried out.
.
.
.
Their antics left me feeling quite dismayed about the future of this country. All they did was talk about fighting back, without bothering with formulating a plan of action. We didn't have any precise numbers on the attacking force, let alone where they came from. Well, I knew, of course. But the point still stands.
Turning away from the quarrel, I glanced across the room to see Renner. She sat quietly watching the process from her seat at the king's right hand. Our eyes locked together briefly before she was inundated by yet another barrage of petitions from the nobles.
Zesshi had been watching from the sidelines since the first report came in the morning. She appeared to be in quiet contemplation, seeing that I had warned her of this exact scenario a few weeks back. On the other hand, Clementine was being less thoughtful, thriving in the chaos that the situation had afforded her. I think I saw her pickpocket somebody?
Ah, none of my business.
Clementine noticed my gaze and gave a beaming smile and wave as if nothing had happened.
Mm, yep.
None of my business.
…
Well, I suppose it's time to do the honours. Walking up to the throne, I cleared my throat and waited as the chamber fell silent and heads turned in my direction; every eye focused squarely upon me.
"Your Majesty," I began solemnly, "as you may know, we have received worrying reports of pillaging along our borders with the Empire. Perhaps, strangely, we have yet to receive a report of Southern Azerlisia territories being affected, yet…" I let the final word hang in the air for a moment.
"Judging by the nature of these attacks, I am left to conclude that the aggressor's objective is the undermining of Re-Estize's border claims," quiet murmurs arose amongst the courtiers. "It's not too difficult to predict what the next targeted territory will be."
I paused once more.
"As Lord of Carne, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety and security of my territories. In light of the present circumstances, I feel it is in the kingdom's best interest to issue an immediate decree: All noblemen are to take arms against the bandits who dare invade our lands." There was some whispering and jeering amongst them now, but I continued clearly, "I shall lead by example."
"Your Majesty! You can't let this puerile—"
"—I shall head out to Carne Village immediately!" I declared.
In unison, the nobles raised their voices; even some in the neutral faction joined in. A few laughed about how ridiculous I was, while others protested vehemently. Some simply watched with wary eyes as they waited to see which way the wind would blow…
…which way, indeed.
I looked toward the king and eagerly awaited the 'go-ahead', courtesy of Renner in the background.
"Marquis Climb," the king called, "this is certainly a bold move. However, you must understand that many lords within our nation cannot afford to send their own forces into battle."
Many in the room nodded in agreement with him.
"One who seeks to lead by example need not be stopped. If you wish to go to Carne Village and are confident in your ability to defend your domain, it will prove to be a great service to the nation. I'm sure that many other nobles will follow in your steed," he commented as he gazed around the hall, the implication of his words not going unnoticed.
"But I must ask: Are you willing to risk your life?"
Oh, I wasn't expecting that.
"…"
The question hung in the air for a long moment. On the surface, the king's question was a simple courtesy: of course, some countryside bandits would barely pose a threat to me. That much was evident to those in the room. However, hidden beneath his words, there was another dimension, a deeper meaning that only I could hear. Renner's silent voice rang through the thick haze:
I can't ensure your safety out there, Climb.
This was a statement I couldn't refute. Meeting with the Overlord of Nazarick was a matter of grave importance, one that required both courage and wisdom. The risks were genuine, and I knew it.
It was something we've discussed endlessly, plans upon contingencies, strategies and countermeasures laid down over years of foundations. The coming meeting was the very reason why I'd progressed through the social hierarchy, gathered the most capable companions and amassed relics of world-altering power.
I knew the risks involved in this mission were significant, but it could all be for nothing in a single moment; one single [Grasp Heart] and everything would be for nought. To meet Ainz Ooal Gown, the lone supreme being, guaranteeing your life is a futile exercise.
However, my greatest weapon in this war was my knowledge of him. My insight into Suzuki Satoru; his methods, personality, and motivations, not to mention the same of his NPCs. These things gave me the confidence to face such a dangerous opponent I otherwise would have not dared touch.
My eyes locked with Renner, who stared straight back at me, unflinching. If we had a message scroll on hand, I'm sure I would've received some sage advice or perhaps even a word of comfort, but that was something for later.
.
.
.
My shoulders relaxed as I took a deep breath. Out of the corner of my eye, Renner seemed apprehensive as I spoke.
"Yes, Your Majesty. For this, I am willing to lay down my life."
Ro-Lente Castle was a hub of activity as people hurried here and there, gathering equipment and supplies. The courtyard was bustling with horses and wagons ready to transport troops to their respective destinations. Soldiers stood at attention along the walls, weapons sheathed, awaiting orders.
Retinues meant to aid the other villages would be departing to assist the already attacked towns. The Warrior Troop was going to be spread thin, and as such, representatives from nobles came bearing 'gifts' to help them decide which lands to reinforce first.
The matter of Carne and respective territories fell to me as their Lord, and I had no intention of roping random footsoldiers into this situation. Only two others would accompany me to Carne Village.
"Are you not afraid of what is to come? From what you've divulged, your gambit seems awfully risky to me." Zesshi asked as we watched the preparations unfold.
"It is risky," I replied bluntly. "But, I either succeed most stunningly or… suddenly it's just not my problem anymore."
Zesshi's eyes narrowed.
"Hm. That is quite a selfish observation," she muttered.
.
.
.
Well, I could see where she was coming from. With her lifespan, I'm certain Zesshi's witnessed the downfall of many comrades in her time. A lone wolf by choice or circumstance? Quite a lonely existence in either case. But still, she's lived through worse; my death—if it ever comes to that—shouldn't have much of an impact on her.
Looking up at the sky, I let out a long sigh.
"…I'll be fine."
She didn't reply immediately, instead choosing to stare at me intently.
"Are you addressing that to yourself or to me?"
Zesshi's question held me in a bind. She considered my silence for a while before shrugging and turning away from me. In her right hand, she spun her scythe idly as she walked away, drawing the concerned yet admiring eyes of soldiers around us.
"I gather you have some business with the little princess before we depart. Shall I watch over Clementine until your return?"
Zesshi was far more perceptive than I gave her credit for.
"Uh, yes. Please do."
"Mm."
She turned away without another word, and I watched her go. Heading back to the palace, I made my way inside.
The interior of the building was quiet compared to the commotion outside, the hallways emptier than usual, except for the occasional servant hurrying about their duties. I made my way toward the royal quarters, stopping briefly at my own room before continuing.
Soon, I found myself standing before the door to Renner's chambers.
Inside, a ritual awaited me, the final preparation.
"…"
I reached out with a hand, gripping the handle firmly and turning it. The door opened soundlessly, and I stepped inside.
The curtains were drawn to hide the room from prying eyes. Dimly lit by candles set in sconces, the room was spotless, almost sterile. It was a familiar, comfortable space, but it lacked the warmth of a place you'd call home.
It was a place that perfectly reflected the owner's tastes.
There, Renner stood silently over her dresser mirror, clad in the silken white of perfect submission. She stared at her double with a cold expression, hands resting on the polished wooden finish. Her golden hair flowed off to one side as she stared at me through the glass impassively.
"Hmph. You look like you're ready to die," she said flatly.
I let myself laugh at the cruel joke.
"Hahaha, and why else would I be here if not to be killed?" I raised my arms in surrender.
"…"
Renner acknowledged my resolve silently.
"So you—"
She raised a finger to stop me from speaking, gesturing to two scrolls beside her. Ah, right, I suppose it was appropriate to use the [Message Scroll] this time around. Unfurling the aged parchment, I watched pieces of paper flake off and evaporate, leaving my palm empty. Renner did the same, and her voice echoed in my head.
'Father is no longer a factor in this decision; I knew you'd come. And with regards to that, it's not something to worry about at this point. Just treat the fallout as a little surprise for your future self when you return.'
So, Re-Estize was going into a regency.
I felt my chest tighten at the statement.
'…Still, of all the options you could have chosen… from floor guardians the likes of Albedo and Shalltear down to the inconspicuous maids… you pick the most difficult one for me to handle.'
Her words stung, and I couldn't help but feel a hint of irony in that ethereal tone, though I wasn't sure whether it was directed at herself or me.
'Though, I can't fault you too much,' she added after a moment's pause. 'It's a rather ingenious scheme. By my calculations, the chance of success is nearly one hundred percent. Near-flawless.'
I smiled bitterly at the praise. Although positive, Renner's words had no calming effect, only serving to make me more anxious.
'I suppose… a bit of courage before the final leap?'
A thin smile formed on Renner's lips as she approached. I took an instinctive step backwards as she closed the gap between us, her fingers wrapping around my collar; she pulled me in close. My heart hammered loudly in my ears as our faces drew closer together.
"W-What are you doing?"
Renner tilted her head slightly with a muted expression on her face. She didn't answer me immediately, instead, nuzzling her forehead into my shoulder. And as she leaned in, I found myself returning Renner's embrace, and a faint, golden warmth spread through my body.
"I'm distracting you, Climb." Her whisper tickled my ear like a hollow farewell; her words felt strangely final. I wanted to reply, but I found myself unable to speak.
And in each other's embrace, we held each other for a while—The princess of a nation seen only through a candle, and a marquis with one too many secrets. For what reason did we hold each other?
.
.
.
Our embrace lasted so long I'd forgotten why.
And eventually, the fuzzy, golden feeling had disappeared. The princess pulled away from our embrace, gaze averted. She walked to the far side of the room and pulled back the curtains, letting daybreak stream in. I stood there alone for a few moments, unsure of what to do next. Her expression was cold.
"Marquis, don't you have the matter of your lands to attend to?" The princess asked, breaking the silence with a somewhat strained voice. "I'm afraid I've kept you from your duties far too long already."
"Ah yes," I replied awkwardly, bowing. "Then, I will take my leave, my lady. Oh, and please, just call me Climb. While we're engaged by edict, it shouldn't hurt to be a little less formal."
Her expression darkened slightly at my request.
"Marquis."
I nodded reluctantly as she demanded.
"…As you wish, my lady."
Turning on my heel, I left the room and heard the door's lock click behind me.
As Renner sat on her bed, staring blankly up at the wall, she wondered if she had made the right choice. She could have easily made him pick someone else; anyone would have been better.
But Climb's was just too convincing.
Renner admitted there was no better way, and she hated it. For all her intellect and cunning, none of it seemed to steer her away from that one option.
They had spent many hours and nights developing and discussing ideas until they were exhausted. But still, nothing came up that could outcompete his vision. It was clever, elegant, yet most importantly, simple. They had even tried to come up with ways to counter it, and very few succeeded—and the ones that did? They required knowledge far beyond Nazarick's means of uncovering.
Climb was someone who loved games, and, now, had become a subject of a game itself.
"…"
Renner stood up and walked over to the window, looking down at the courtyard below. But it was not upon the flowers she gazed, but her reflection within the glass. She frowned at the sight of the dress that covered her body.
It was white, a colour chosen to reflect purity, and embossed with an ancient dragon, symbolising strength and domination. Yet, despite its straightforward appearance, she knew it suited her well. Climb said as much, and she was inclined to agree with him.
But now Climb wasn't here anymore. In his place, a thing replaced him, a thingshe could only bring herself to address as 'Marquis'. Someone who would forget everything. A man whose memories would be lost without knowing he had ever possessed them.
She felt Climb's absence had somehow lessened the dress's beauty. Beauty held no value without an admirer, for what good was a painting with no audience?
Renner's hands on the windowpane balled into fists, her nails scraping against the glass. She couldn't help but feel like she had failed him somehow.
She let out a deep breath before turning around, making her way to her dresser and sitting down. Pulling out a side drawer, she withdrew several sheets of paper, notes written in her handwriting. Pulling aside a candle, she placed it near, her trembling hand casting a shadow.
She read the various points she'd raised repeatedly during their discussions. Along its margins, vain efforts to refute:
…In the event Pandora's Actor takes Ainz's place…
…contingency for Albedo's squadron…
…should the dress' existence be discovered…
All scribbled and crossed out, black ink streaking across the paper's length. All solved. The more Renner read, the angrier she became. There was something about it that made her want to scream. Perfect rationality; that's what those papers before her represented.
Her Climb.
He had eliminated every possible scenario, and then some, and when he finally arrived at a conclusion that satisfied him, he weighed the risks. That was why she loved him, for he had a trait that she saw in no one else. He could betray anyone or anything at a moment's notice, and yet, remain true to himself—a quality so fragile and rare that it made her heart ache. And he had given it all to her.
Entrusted all of it.
And now, the intelligent, brilliant gleam in his eyes that she so adored had vanished. She had taken his heart out and replaced it with some vile, cheap replica. A fake.
If only she had said no.
But she couldn't. When Climb spoke of his vision, how he'd talk about meeting Nazarick, how he'd detail his new personality, she'd nodded along. Oh, how she loathed her past self—someone who dared to call themselves a person of perfect rationality.
It never occurred to her how painful it would be.
To reset the target for Downfall of Castle and Country, she'd kill her father a hundred times more and not feel a thing.
Then, she had to be. Renner had to be a woman of perfect rationality. Wasn't that why all the nobles seemed so petty, and all the kingdom seemed dead?
So then why?
Why did the papers scattered on her lap feel so lifeless too?
Through blurry vision, she picked up and read the final line on the parchment. Climb's handwriting, this time.
Burn the evidence when I leave.
"…"
And so, with a pained smile, the lonely princess reached out for the candle.
The lonely princess obliged.