“Is that the enemy's leader? The atmosphere around him is so strong that merely looking at him will cause people’s bones to chill. Although the appearance is similar to the lich which you defeated… but the strength of both individuals simply cannot be compared…”
“... Older brother, have you finished on your side?”
“Mm, pretty much. My and Crusch’s magic reserves have been depleted. Furthermore, after hearing that being’s words… I also think that we must resolve this matter first. About what that being said… Zaryusu, are you willing to come along?”
Zaryusu looked silently at Shasuryu for a while, then nodded gravely. Shasuryu momentarily showed an anguished look, but immediately returned to normal, so fast that nobody had noticed his expression.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t mind it, older brother.”
Shasuryu had only apologised before jumping off the mud wall, treading on the thin layer of ice coating the wetlands, and letting out splashing sounds.
“I’m off then.”
“Be careful.”
After Zaryusu hugged Crusch tightly, he also followed Shasuryu and jumped down into the wetlands.
Zaryusu and Shasuryu treaded across the thin ice above the lake, moving forward together. After they walked through the main entrance, Zaryusu felt the Overlord of Death’s group gaze intently at the two of them, as if their gazes carried actual pressuring strength. He desperately restrained his strong emotions telling him not to get away.
At this moment, Shasuryu spoke out.
“... Sorry.”
“... Sorry for what, older brother?”
“... If negotiations fall apart, the opponent may perhaps kill the two of us there and then.”
Zaryusu had already prepared himself mentally a while ago. It was because of this that he had hugged Crusch so tightly first.
“... Considering the opponent’s numbers, I cannot allow older brother to go forward alone. If you were by yourself, the opponent would probably also form the opinion that we are not paying them enough respect.”
Amongst lizardmen, Zaryusu was indeed widely known, and extremely suitable to take part in negotiations. However, his identity was that of a traveller, therefore even if he were sacrificed, it would not affect the lizardmen group structure. From this perspective, his loss would not be regretted.
Even if the hero were to be killed, so long as there were other remaining tribe chiefs, the battle could be continued. The only pity would be the loss of Frost Pain. Without it, there would be no means to block the cold wind coming from the frozen lake.
The two of them continued silently forward, getting step-by-step closer to death.
They arrived before the undead stairs leading up to the throne, and announced their arrival loudly. If the throne was situated even further back, they could have chosen to climb up the stairs first, but the opponent stood at the brink of the stairs, showing that they were not intended to climb up.
The king must sit at a higher level.
Although lizardmen did not have such a rule, many tribes had the habit where those in a higher position would look down on the others. Of course, from the perspective of holding talks, this was considered disrespectful treatment of the other party.
Therefore, whilst on the surface it was called negotiation, blatantly there was no intention for these negotiations to be conducted between equals.
However, requesting equality in talks would be overconfidence. Indeed, Zaryusu and the others had won the previous battle, but after seeing the rows of enemy soldiers on top of the enormous boulder, they were forced to realise that their previous victory had no meaning even if they did not wish to believe so. All of it had been just a game.
“Our delegation has arrived! I am the lizardmen representative, Shasuryu Shasha, the strongest hero amongst the lizardmen!”
“I am Zaryusu Shasha!”
Even so, their sonorous voices still had no flattery in them. They knew that this was foolishness, but this was their remaining dignity. Perhaps the previous battle was only a game in the opponent’s eyes, but they absolutely could not forfeit the honour of those who sacrificed their lives in that battle.
No response. The Overlord of Death seated on top of the throne merely looked critically at them, unceremoniously sizing them up. It was completely impossible to tell if there was any intent to take action.
The one who replied was the demon who had a pair of black wings which grew from her waist.
“Our master does not consider that you have not entered into a listening posture which demonstrates respect.”
“... What?”
Once the female heard the confused voice, she called out to the man by her side who had a tail.
“—Demiurge.”
“『Prostrate』.”
Suddenly, Zaryusu and Shasuryu knelt down, with their heads buried into the wetlands. Their actions made it look like these two persons thought it was only natural to do.
The cold mud stained the two persons’ bodies, and the shattered ice blocks immediately froze up again.
It was impossible to stand up. Even if they used their entire body’s strength, their bodies did not budge. As if there was an invisible giant hand which was pressing down on them from above, their bodies had completely lost all freedom of movement.
“『Do not Resist』.”
In the moment that the sound once again was heard in their heads, Zaryusu and Shasuryu felt as if their bodies had given birth to another mind— taking over their decision making organs. Their bodies seemed to act according to the instructions of that organ.
After seeing the two energy-drained persons awkwardly kneeling in the muddy ground, the female demons seemed to look very satisfied, and faced the master as she reported:
“Ainz-sama, their respectful listening postures are prepared.”
“Thank you for your hard work— Raise your heads.”
“『Permitted to Raise your Heads』.”
Zaryusu and Shasuryu moved their heads which was the only body part able to freely move, and gazed upwards as if respectfully welcoming a king.
“I am… the master of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz Ooal Gown. First, I give you my thanks for helping me complete my experiment.”
Experiment? So many of our companions’ lives were taken away, yet he still dares to call it an experiment?
The despise in their hearts roused their burning anger, but then they still restrained their emotions. It was because now was still not the time to turn the tables.
“Then, let us directly address the main issue… accept my authority.”
Ainz the magic caster gently raised his hand, stopping Shasuryu who desired to speak out.
Knowing that insisting on speaking out would not be wise, Shasuryu could only obediently stay silent.
“— However you defeated us earlier, which should mean that you are unwilling to accept my authority. This is why we shall attack again four hours later. If you are still able to win, I promise to take no further action against you, and will even guarantee to support reasonable compensation to you.”
“... May I please ask a question?”
“You may, ask away.”
“The one who will be attacking… will it be Your Mightiness?”