Overlord: Advent of the New Gods

It was a rare occasion to see the young Emperor Jircniv sitting upon his throne. He was only seen in the throne room when a foreign delegation of high importance visited. Otherwise, he preferred to use a guest room. Today was one such case. The new Gods were sending their ambassador to form some basic agreements between the Baharuth Empire and the newly declared Nazarick Empire, the single most important meeting he was about to have besides his initial acceptance of the throne.

The massive throne room of the Baharuth Imperial castle screamed opulence, with gold-plated columns and impossibly complex mosaic patterns on the walls as an echo of thousands if not millions of hours of the careful work of countless talented artists over the centuries. By the windows stood the castle guards in decorated plate sets and holding massive halberds. His four imperial knights stood behind the throne, decked out to the nines. Fluder, the only man allowed to not stand in his presence, sat on a small stool beside his throne due to his status and advanced age, wearing his best clothes.

His agents were monitoring the demonic invasion of Re-Estize carefully, reporting everything they could. He had to admit there were a lot of pieces of information missing to form a full picture, but the outline was clear enough. A war, hidden from his sight, was raging in this world and the events that had transpired were but a whisper of what likely was going on in the background. Two opposing groups of players were using the world as their game board and the mortal rulers were to become the pieces on the said board, sacrificing and trading as they wished.

His goal was simple. He wanted to be more than just an incredibly useful piece; he wanted to be off the board entirely on the side of the right team and currently, his money was on the players belonging to the Nazarick Empire. They had given the impression of reasonable and benevolent entities. Of course, it was likely a facade and they only played the game of politics as one of them was a God of Politics and thus likely a master manipulator. This only meant that these so-called Gods were smart and would work in predictable patterns, which would give him plenty of room to navigate.

Unfortunately, he had little information to work with at the moment as even Fluder couldn't provide much and had only precious few interactions with players who lived a century ago and died in a heroic sacrifice against the demon gods. When it came to these mysterious beings there was more myth than fact, which meant many assumptions couldn't be made. Jircniv was assured he would sail these tumultuous waters and come out on top of it but he knew that one mistake could spell the doom of his plans and his empire.

"Your imperial Majesty, the envoy has arrived just outside the castle via an unknown type of transportation spell," Fluder whispered in his ear. His trusty court magician had set up monitoring spells all throughout the palace and was always aware of what sort of spells were cast in proximity, blocking out any unauthorized magic users to prevent assassination attempts. Yet more proof that these players were powerful, if they knew what even Fluder didn't.

"Wonderful." Jircniv gave back a small nod and relaxed on his throne, leaning his right side closer to Fluder. With a rather specialized sound isolation spell there was little chance anyone could hear their exchanges, but the good old method of simply lowering the speaking volume didn't hurt either.

Three minutes, that's how long the path to his throne room from the entrance was for a human traveling at base walking speed. The envoy came into his view in just two. The figure moved with unnatural smoothness as if just hovering above the floor with its dark grey robe reaching the polished marble floor. This entity, Jircniv didn't automatically assume would be human, wore a golden mask similar to one the God of Life and Death wore during the E-Rantel incident. Smooth black gloves covered the envoy's hands, adorned with a ring on each as it entered the room.

The figure stopped at an appropriate distance away from him and bowed, its voice ghastly and off-putting, "Your Imperial Majesty, I have come on behalf of Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown."

"I welcome you esteemed envoy. Would you satisfy my curiosity?" Jircniv flashed a friendly, disarming smile as he spoke in a tone smooth as silk, practiced from handling the empire's greatest politicians.

"If I am able, your Imperial Majesty, I am but a voice for the Gods," The envoy replied.

"I am curious about your mask. It is usually in poor taste to approach a monarch while wearing a mask, but since I am unfamiliar with the traditions of Nazarick I merely seek clarification for this choice of attire." Jircniv chose his words carefully. Ending talks prematurely and without beneficial results was something he wished to avoid, and every nation had its own unique culture that every foreign diplomat had to carefully dance around.

"My apologies, but I followed the orders of my master. The mask was merely an assurance that I would reach you, your Imperial Majesty, but as I'm here, I will display my face." The envoy lifted his arms and reached behind the golden mask, gradually removing it.

The entire throne room was instantly on high alert, ready to strike. The rotten visage of the man could only mean that the envoy was an undead, and by general appearance, a lich at that. He gave a subtle motion with his hand to the guards to be ready but not make unnecessary movements and glanced at Fluder for clarification.

"I believe this creature is an elder lich and thus manageable." Fluder remained as calm as him. The old man rarely showed strong emotions and even a powerful monster like a lich wasn't enough to get a rise out of him.

"Be ready just in case," Jircniv quietly ordered. If not for all the precautions in place, even a well-placed firebolt would be enough to spell his doom.

"I see. Did I pass the test of your master?" Jircniv asked, his voice assuming a casual, perhaps even humorous, tint.

"Emperor Ainz apologizes for the necessity of this action and assures you that no hostile action regarding this reveal will be taken no matter the outcome of these talks." The lich bowed, sliding the mask back on.

"There is no need for an apology. The sentiment is understandable, but let's not indulge in too much needless pleasantries. Emperor Ainz, I believe we can talk directly through your agent?" Jircniv guessed that the God of Life and Death was observing through the lich anyways considering the former's undead nature and thus few cards like his ability to observe and assess situations could be shown.

"Indeed we can converse directly, Emperor Jircniv. Nazarick wishes to have friendly relationships with their neighbors, thus I would wish to resolve any potential disputes that might arise here and now." The voice changed, becoming more pleasant and regal, the body shifting to a more confident pose.

"Let's get the first topic out of the way: what territories does Nazarick claim as theirs?" Jircniv continued.

The lich pulled a pair of scrolls out of a small void in front of him and extended his hand, evidently capable of not only talking but acting through his undead. Baziwood stepped forward and retrieved the items from the undead's hand and after a subtle nod from Fluder handed it to Jircniv.

The presented map in two copies was decently detailed and Nazarick's border was clearly defined as confined within the forest of Tob and a grassland area that until now belonged to Re-Estize. 'This area no doubt was given over as a payment for dealing with the demon problem. I will have to assess which of the western territories I would give over in an extreme case.'

His own empire was clearly defined within acceptable boundaries and so was Re-Estize, Roble Holy Kingdom, and the Dragon Kingdom. The only exception out of neighboring human nations was the Slane Territory, which was marked as non-nation as a clear statement from Ainz Ooal Gown with the Nazarick Emperor's signature on the bottom right corner.

'If I am about to sign this, I would need to officially declare the nonexistence of Slane, which would make diplomacy with them impossible in an official capacity. In the current situation, they have already burned as many bridges with the rest of the world… I should be able to claim to be forced to ally with Nazarick if I need to change the strategy in the future.'

Jircniv motioned for a signing table and a quill to be handed to him by Lourne, who was standing behind a pillar out of sight of the lich. His assistant provided the needed items without hesitation. With elegant swipes, he signed both maps and after applying ink pressed his signet ring next to his signatures, sealing the deal.

"Baharuth officially recognizes the Nazarick Empire and its territorial claims," Jircniv announced while Baziwood returned one of the maps to the lich, who put it into a void once more.

"Onto the next topic. Although Nazarick is not fully allied with Re-Estize, I would prefer that the conflict between the Baharuth empire and Re-Estize be resolved, as to my knowledge the battlefield is not far from our borders." Ainz continued, speaking through the lich.

'Very subtle request. It is safe to assume if they truly wanted, they could assassinate Fluder and me, thus making Baharuth busy with inner turmoil. Ainz is trying to instill in me a false sense of confidence that Nazarick is less of a threat than it really is. I will have to play along and appear unbothered by their presence in my neighborhood.' Jircniv mused. The first impression was too important to fumble with indecisiveness and a weak-minded approach.

"While possible, I cannot promise immediate resolution. I am adamant that my forces will never violate your borders or cause a mass migration towards Nazarick. On the same note, I see that there are inconsolable differences between Nazarick and Slane Theocracy which had been a trade partner for generations." Jircniv responded with a casual ease, holding his hand and resting his elbow on the armrest of the throne.

"The Slane Theocracy performed an unprovoked personal attack on me due to them being the bloodhounds of the six human players. Their hostilities towards Nazarick go back to before human nations existed in this world, many years in the realm of the Gods itself. Anyone allying with this nation will be seen as a hostile force by Nazarick." Ainz declared through the lich, the God's voice carrying a sense of dread Jircniv needed to concentrate to overcome.

"Forgive my ignorance but to my knowledge, the six human players died centuries ago," Jircniv intentionally used the same term as Ainz for the Six Gods that the majority of humanity worshiped, displaying his understanding of the situation.

"Death is not an end, merely a transition. They may not physically walk this world and they may not be Gods in the truest sense, but they still exist and they plot against everyone who does not bend to their tyranny and narrow-minded views on sentient life, removing all nonhuman life from existence. It was the human players who cast the first stone, not the other way around, and we merely respond in kind as one." Ainz's tone grew even more menacing as a wave of dark aura seeped out of the Lich.

"Fascinating. I have never felt energies so potent," Fluder mumbled beside him.

"Assessment?" Jircniv whispered back and then spoke aloud. "As of now, Slane has cut all contact with Baharuth, thus I see no reason to ally with them over Nazarick. Considering the growing instability in the region, more synchronized maneuvers to ensure the safety of our people could be discussed."

"Agreed. Nazrick will extend a helping hand should human players target Baharuth directly, their attempts to rule the world shall be thwarted," Ainz declared.

"I am looking forward to a fruitful cooperation and invite you to Baharuth for more in-person talks." Jircniv dropped the offer. 'This interaction alone had given a lot, but the opportunity for Fluder and his most talented student to study a player up close could provide the needed information on how to handle such entities should they grow hostile.'

"The God of Knowledge has expressed interest in visiting the world-renowned Imperial Magical Academy. At the same time, I will extend the invitation to visit my home," Ainz offered.

"I believe hosting the God of Knowledge will provide a great opportunity for both parties." Jircniv accepted the offer. 'God of Knowledge? Hmm, trying to target Fluder might be the best way to undermine my rule and weaken my position without making visible hostile moves,' yet he was in no position to deny such a request. He too could benefit from such an interaction, he would just have to be careful in monitoring.

With the next steps set in place, the envoy departed from the throne rooms and was given one of the guest quarters and a few of the imperial knights as exports, mostly for the safety of the others as not many could take down a lich on their own, especially one that could act as a direct vessel for a player.

Now he needed to make preparations to be a gracious host and ensure Fluder wouldn't be lured away with promises of nigh-unfathomable magical secrets. There already was a growing need to think of who could succeed him, although none of his students were even close to the old man's levels and even the most promising ones were far from their true potential.

Editing by aidan_lo.

Proofreading by Stac, fvvck, Sluethen, Omnax, IAMTHEPLOKOKIOPO, mfkz_rocker, aidan_lo.

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