“I was in the kingdom, so I don’t know the details, but about three days.”
Demiurge’s eyes widened.
It was too fast.
How did Lord Ainz display enough power to get the empire to capitulate? How did he get through to the emperor who had been trying to build an alliance with other countries?
Demiurge had prepared a strategy that he knew the emperor wouldn’t be able to handle, but his master had come up with an even better one.
“Three days? How in the world did he do that…?”
“Incidentally, I heard that no one died.”
Demiurge’s jaw would stay agape. But all he felt for the absolute ruler was respect: He had stood quietly behind the emperor just like death itself and squeezed his heart.
Chills ran from the tips of Demiurge’s toes to the top of his head. It was a jumble of rapture, envy, awe, and respect that formed an indescribable passion and caused him to shiver.
“There’s…there’s no doubt that was Lord Ainz’s work. I really can never hope to come close to matching him. He’s simply wonderful. I can see why he was the leader of the Supreme Beings. I’m a tiny bit jealous of Pandora’s Actor.”
Albedo cracked a smile. It brimmed with a mysterious sense of superiority.
It was probably at having been ordered to love such a brilliant man.
“Lord Ainz has instructed you and me to decide what to do about the empire.”
“Us? Why?”
“That’s obvious, isn’t it? Much of the current flow of events has been according to your plan. But Lord Ainz went ahead and got the empire to submit without consulting you. He’s concerned!”
Demiurge didn’t understand. If he was incompetent and offended their master, he would understand, but it didn’t seem like that was the case.
“…Why? I’m afraid I don’t follow.”
Albedo emitted a tired sigh. “It’s because he trusts you. In other words… How can I explain this? With your brain, I’m sure you can figure it out, but this is what I think it’s about. It’s natural for you to feel like he’s doubting your abilities if he doesn’t move according to your plan. He didn’t want to do that, which is why he was waiting for word from you. But he must have thought that you were holding back. I think he moved first to tell you not to hold back.”
That answer made sense to Demiurge. No, what else could it even be?
“Well…”
Demiurge was so ashamed, he hung his head. At the same time, he was wrapped in joy—at the news that he was in his master’s thoughts to such a degree.
“Demiurge, in order to be worthy of our master’s compassion, we need to act.”
“Of course, Albedo.”
Demiurge roused himself. “In order to live up to his expectations, I’ll come up with a vassalage plan by the time he gets back!”
“Yes. Lord Ainz must have gone in person to the dwarf country because he had multiple objectives. I’m sure we’ll be busy when he returns.”
Demiurge grinned. “You’re quite right, Albedo.”
Afterword
I heard it’s not manly to make excuses, so I won’t make any. But allow me to say this: If my memory is correct, this is definitely Septendecimber in the winter of 2015!
I also remember hearing that plans were uncertain and nothing had been decided. What alluring words! Chock-full of romance!
…I’m sorry.
I’m not planning on making you wait for Volume 11 like I made you wait for this one, so I hope you’ll forgive me. And in this next volume—well, if you read to the end of this one, then there’s no point in writing it here.
Apparently, there will be a special edition of the eleventh volume, the first one in a while. If you watch the anime, then many of you probably already know, but it’ll include a new three-minute episode of Ple-Ple-Pleiades—what a surprise!
Now then, everyone who read Volume 10, what would you do?
If you were in charge of an organization—or more like if you were running a nation—what would you work on first? Ainz operates haphazardly, but I’m very interested to hear what you would all start with. It’d be fun if I could hear some of your opinions at some point.
I’d be even happier if this inspired you to write fanfic and even your own original novels.
That’s how I got my start.
And this is promoted at the back of the book, too, but we’re doing a popularity poll. Please tell us your favorite character. It’s a type of popularity poll the likes of which has never been seen before—where the number one spot is already decided.
Even if there is a character who is more popular than expected, it won’t mean they show up more in the books, but I am curious who you like.
Okay, from here on out, it’s thank-yous.
I’m sorry I messed up your schedule. Thank you again, so-bin.
To proofreader Osako, designer Code Design Studio, my editor Fta, thank you. And to my friend from my student days, Honey, thanks as always.
And most of all, thanks to you, the readers. The story has changed completely from the web novel, but I hope you enjoy it.
KUGANE MARUYAMA
Septendecimber 2015
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The Ruler of Conspiracy Page 32