The one to eventually break the silence was Sylvan himself. As the captain and one of the god-kin he was one of the only people that could criticize the decisions made by the archbishops without fearing reprimand.
"After everything that has happened to Kaire-sama, you still wish to use her power?"
"Sylvan-kun, I completely understand where you're coming from. But the truth is that this problem is of such magnitude that it is the only realistic solution. The Sorcerer King possesses an army of legendary undead that he can control perfectly. Even one of his spells could potentially wipe out all life from the capital."
Sylvan didn't respond as he ran simulations of how to deal with Ainz if he attacked the capital inside his head.
"Before we take any such actions we must first determine the exact level of power that he possesses and not just in magic. Can't the Thousand Miles Astrologer get a grasp on his location?"
The one who posed the question was the old man sitting next to Bahmeth, he was the oldest member of the black scripture and it's only arcane magic caster 'Herald of Calamity' Augus Fernis Emyras. His black robe along with the bad lighting in the room, concealed most of his face but a pale face with a short snow-white beard was still noticeable. As the member with the most experience with arcane magic, his opinion could not go unheard.
"I'm very sorry, Augus-san. No matter how hard she tries, Palyntana-sama can't seem to be able to locate him with her magic. She said something about powerful anti-detection magic being at work, though she is sure that she will be able to provide a certain estimation if she can actually see him."
"If that's the case, why don't you let me go out and wreak havoc? Seeing as this Ainz O whatever's agents have already most likely infiltrated our capital."
For a second it seemed as if the world had gone completely silent. Every one of the members looked at Zesshi who had just uttered the most unbelievable set of words.
This is why I didn't want to bring her here.
Archon had the almost irresistible urge to cover his face with the palm of his hand. To allow this girl who was in charge of guarding the greatest treasures known to man to leave her post was unthinkable enough but the other thing she said was even more unbelievable.
"Zesshi, we have raised the security level at all the borders to the max, even if the people there can't do anything against the sorcerer king himself finding one of his inhuman agents who tries to cross the border is still manageable. That goes double for our capital which is on the highest of alerts. So what makes you think that his agents have managed to infiltrate this great city?"
"Who knows? But today I felt a strange presence whilst I was guarding the inner sanctum. That was actually the reason that I asked to be on the meeting to…"
Suddenly as if she had heard a strange sound or seen a ghost, Zesshi stopped talking and had a strange expression of both fear and surprise on her face. This quickly faded by a malicious smile from ear to ear that made even the other members of the Black Scripture shudder slightly. Her smile seemed to indicate that she had found her next prey whoever that might be.
"Ah nothing, I just pictured myself fighting this Sorcerer. I was thinking he made be able to provide me with my first challenge in a long time. He might even be able to beat me."
"Please don't joke around with such things Zesshi-sama, if u are beaten who will protect humanity. No if u are beaten then humanity is doomed for sure."
Elfris was eager to try to prevent Zesshi from making such further comments.
"Ah well, not like a mere magic caster could ever beat me."
As Zesshi said this she seemed to glance towards Augus with a mischievous smile.
Augus simply frowned upon hearing her mockery and remained silent.
Archon now quite fed up with Zesshi's crude comments and rash statements decided to put the conversation back on track.
"Well, as I said as things stand now we have no choice but to sit back and watch how things play out. This fellow Ainz Ooal gown has enough power to make you think of the six great gods in which we put our faith. That is why I'm certain that with his power he will not be satisfied with ruling just one region. He will come out of the woodwork sooner or later and when he does we need to be ready. And once again I must remind you that at that time we will be using [downfall of castle and country] to destroy him. I will not accept comments on this part."
Sylvan upon hearing this leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.
"Then shouldn't you at least listen to the opinion of the one who has to wear that exalted item and take on the burden of facing such a foe."
As Archon turned around he saw at the entrance an old grey woman. She had a very wrinkled face and gloomy look in her eyes. The special weapon of the Theocracy and oldest of the three god-kin, Kaire had entered the room.
Archon gulped down the saliva that had formed in his throat from seeing her and carefully addressed her.
"Oh if it isn't Kaire-sama. I'm sorry that I didn't notice you sooner, please forgive my earlier words but I must insist that using that item is still the best option we have, I hope you understand."
Kaire closed her eyes and did not respond as she silently entered the room and sat down in one of the chairs only after which she finally decided to respond.
"After meeting with that vampire, I have been unable to sleep properly at night. Even though the curse that prevented my healing has disappeared I still feel the malice from her attack haunting me every night. Understand one thing very well, after we deal with this magic caster I will retire from the Black Scripture. That is my only demand."
Archon nodded deeply. Even though the other bishops would most likely protest against the loss of one of the nation's greatest weapons, if the last think Kaire could do for the Theocracy was take over the mind of Ainz Ooal Gown then the others would have no room to complain.
"Well then I suppose with that then there are no things that we have to discuss. As I said before, for now we will just continue to monitor the situation and keep on our toes. But you have to be prepared to move out at a moment's notice and destroy this monster. That is all you are dismissed. May the light of the six great gods be with you!
As the members of the scripture and the others left the room Zesshi was the only one who stalled with her leave. She couldn't care less normally about what was decided at this meeting but today she had made the right choice coming here.
After such a long time. Finally someone who's worth playing with!
"Oh Sylvan-chan, do you have a minute"
"What is it?"
After confirming that no one would hear her she answered.
"I know that you're a very strict person but… do you think you could do me a little favor?"
Part 4
In the Slane theocracy one could easily identify who was local and who was foreigner. Members of the theocracy valued their faith over all others and dressed to express that. Wearing specially tailored clothes expressing their faith to which of the six great gods they believed in was the norm and to wear clothes without them was looked down upon. However in the face of such exotic beauty one could hardly look at the clothes.
"What a stunner. Do you think she is already engaged?"
"You moron, as if she'd be interested in you."
"Still… what is up with that hair color?"
"I have heard of people in the far south sometimes dying their hair in weird colors, could she be from there?"
"Well, at the very least she ain't from around here that's for sure."
Everywhere she went people turned their heads at the flawless face of the young maiden. Even for citizens of the Slane theocracy it wouldn't be strange to start jeering at the sight of such beauty. The young maiden on the other hand paid absolutely no attention to the many reactions of those around her and continued to walk towards her destination.