Chapter 15: An Overseer's Arrival and a Lord's Reckoning
The courtyard of Greywater Keep, moments before a scene of chaotic battle, now lay under a stunned, uneasy silence. The surviving defenders – Hal, Timms, and a few bloodied Oakhaven men – stared with wide, uncomprehending eyes at the tableau before them. Their young Lord Elian, radiating an almost visible aura of command, stood beside the formidable 'Master Tian' (Sebas), and a small, insectoid girl (Entoma) clung to his arm. Before them, a being of terrifying, impossible beauty – Albedo – hovered, her dark wings casting long shadows, her expression a maelstrom of shock, confusion, and dawning, fervent recognition. Her remaining undead warriors, death knights and skeletal mages, stood frozen mid-action, their balefire eyes flickering uncertainly.
Ser Desmond Grell, his sword still in hand, his armor dented and stained, looked as if he'd witnessed the gods themselves descend to meddle in mortal affairs – which, in a way, he had.
"Lord Elian…" he began, his voice hoarse, "What… what is the meaning of this? This… lady… her forces…"
Ainz raised a hand, silencing him. The immediate priority was to get his volatile Guardians under control and out of the public eye. "Hal, Timms," he commanded, his voice carrying an unnatural resonance that cut through the lingering fear. "See to our wounded. Secure the gates. Master Tian and I will speak with our… unexpected guest. Ser Desmond, your bravery was noted. Rest yourself. We will discuss these events shortly."
He then turned to Albedo, his gaze unwavering. "Albedo. Sebas. Entoma. Inside. Now." The tone was not unkind, but it brooked no argument.
Albedo, still processing the sight of her beloved Ainz-sama in this frail human guise, yet undeniably him in essence, slowly furled her magnificent wings and descended, her boots touching the bloodied cobblestones with a soft click. She followed Ainz, Sebas, and Entoma into the modest, now partially damaged, main hall of Greywater Keep, her mind a tempest.
Once the heavy oak doors were closed, muffling the sounds of the cleanup and the terrified whispers from outside, Ainz let out a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of worlds. The 'Elian Hollow' persona cracked, allowing the weary but resolute Overlord to surface.
"Alright, Albedo," he began, turning to face her. "Before you… redecorate… my current place of residence, perhaps some explanations are in order."
Albedo rushed forward, falling to her knees before him, her customary pose of utter devotion. "Ainz-sama! My beloved Lord Ainz! You are alive! You are truly here!" Her voice was thick with emotion, tears welling in her golden eyes. "Forgive my presumptuous assault! I sensed your divine presence, but this keep… these humans… I thought you were held captive, or that these primitives dared to impede my path to you!" She looked up at him, her gaze sweeping over his youthful human form. "But this body… my lord, what has befallen you? You are… diminished! Weakened! This is an outrage! An insult to your supreme majesty!"
Ainz raised an eyebrow. "Diminished? Perhaps. Weakened? Temporarily. An outrage? That remains to be seen." He gest Bahkan, "Rise, Albedo. And listen."
He then provided a concise, unvarnished account: the final moments of YGGDRASIL, the forced logout, and their inexplicable transportation to this new, primitive world. He explained his awakening in the body of Elian Hollow, the initial loss of most of his powers and all his items, save for the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown on his finger. He detailed the soul-for-mana-capacity mechanic, his gradual reclamation of power, the establishment of his persona as Lord of Greywater Keep, and his encounters with Sebas and then Entoma.
Albedo listened, her expression shifting through a kaleidoscope of emotions: horror at his initial vulnerability, fury at the unknown forces that had subjected him to such an indignity, profound relief that he was alive and regaining his strength, and an almost ecstatic joy at being reunited. When he mentioned the soul-fueled mana growth, her eyes lit with a predatory gleam. "Souls, my lord? If souls are what you require to reclaim your true glory, then this world shall become your slaughterhouse! I will harvest them for you by the millions!"
"Restrain your enthusiasm, Albedo," Ainz said dryly, though a part of him was warmed by her typically over-the-top devotion. "Wanton slaughter will attract… complications we are not yet prepared to handle. Subtlety, for now, remains key."
Sebas calmly corroborated Ainz's story, detailing his own arrival and search. Entoma, clinging to Ainz's arm and still looking somewhat overwhelmed by Albedo's intense presence, tearfully recounted her own weeks of solitary survival and her capture, her tale serving as a stark reminder of the dangers this world posed even to Nazarick's denizens when alone and unprepared.
"You arrived with a considerable force, Albedo," Ainz then stated, turning the questioning to her. "Report."
Albedo, now more composed, detailed her own arrival in Pentos, her swift mobilization, and her journey across the Narrow Sea. She spoke of her undead retinue, currently concealed but ready to serve. "I brought what resources I could gather quickly, Ainz-sama. Gold, provisions, and a few… discreetly transported treasures from my personal treasury in Nazarick that I always kept prepared for emergencies. Items that might prove useful to you."
Ainz's eyes (or rather, Elian's) widened slightly. "Treasures from Nazarick? You managed to bring items through?" This was significant. He himself had arrived with nothing but his ring.
"Indeed, my Lord," Albedo confirmed, a hint of pride in her voice. "My love for you demanded I always be prepared for any eventuality."
Before Ainz could inquire further, the immediate issue of Albedo's army needed addressing. "Your forces, Albedo. They cannot remain so close to Greywater. The locals are terrified enough as it is after your… rather dramatic entrance. Ser Desmond, the Tully knight acting as liaison here, will undoubtedly send a report to Riverrun that will be difficult to explain if an undead legion is discovered on my doorstep."
Albedo pouted, a surprisingly human expression on her divinely beautiful face. "But Ainz-sama, they are here to protect you! To serve you! This… hovel… is unworthy of your presence! We should raze it and build a true fortress, a New Nazarick, immediately!"
"All in due time, Albedo," Ainz said, a hint of amusement in his tone. He knew her temperament. "For now, order your troops to withdraw to a more secluded location – the Blackmorass offers ample concealment. They are to remain hidden and await further instructions. We must maintain the illusion of Elian Hollow, minor Riverlord, for a while longer."
Reluctantly, Albedo agreed, issuing telepathic commands to her death knight captain. The oppressive aura of dread that had settled over Greywater Keep began to recede as the unseen undead legion pulled back.
Next came the delicate matter of Ser Desmond Grell. Ainz, resuming the Elian persona, though now infused with a more overt sense of authority, summoned the young knight back into the hall. Sebas stood beside him as 'Master Tian.' Albedo, after a stern look from Ainz and a whispered reminder from Sebas about the necessity of the charade, reluctantly adopted a human guise – a tall, imperious noblewoman with raven hair and striking golden eyes, whom Ainz introduced as "Lady Alva, a distant kinswoman and powerful sorceress from an ancient, allied family who has come to offer her aid to House Hollow in these trying times."
The cover story was flimsy, almost laughably so, but Ser Desmond, having just witnessed Albedo's true power and the god-like command Elian wielded, was in no position to question it too closely. He was pale, still trembling slightly, but his Tully sense of duty remained.
"Lady… Alva?" he stammered, bowing awkwardly. "Your arrival was… unexpected. And your… retinue… caused considerable alarm, my lady, my lord."
"A most regrettable misunderstanding, Ser Desmond," Ainz said smoothly, his Elian voice full of youthful sincerity. "Lady Alva's guardians were perhaps… overzealous… in their desire to secure her passage. Rest assured, her powers, and those of her house, are now pledged to the service of Greywater Keep, and by extension, to the peace and security of the Riverlands under Lord Tully." He then subtly "ordered" Ser Desmond to report this favorable, if abrupt, alliance to Riverrun, emphasizing the newfound strength House Hollow could now offer its liege lord.
Desmond, caught between terror, confusion, and a dawning realization that he was far, far out of his depth, could only nod dumbly. He would send the report, though he had no idea how he would phrase it to make it sound even remotely believable.
With the immediate crises managed, Ainz, Sebas, Albedo, and Entoma began the task of assessing the damage to Greywater Keep. Several sections of the outer wall had been breached, the gatehouse was a ruin, and a number of Elian's meager garrison were dead or wounded.
Albedo, surveying the destruction her forces had wrought, initially sniffed dismissively at the primitive architecture. But then, seeing the genuine concern on Ainz's (Elian's) face for his human subjects, and his quiet determination to repair the damage, something shifted in her. If her beloved Ainz-sama valued this place, however humble, then she would ensure it was worthy of him.
"My Lord," she announced, stepping forward. "Allow me. The repairs… I can expedite them." Before Ainz could fully react, she raised her hands. Drawing upon her own formidable mana (thankfully, not YGGDRASIL magic that would be too obvious, but her innate Floor Guardian abilities that allowed for creation and manipulation on a grand scale), she began to mend the broken walls. Stones flew back into place, cracks sealed, and shattered timbers reformed, all with an unnatural speed and precision that left the onlookers, including Ser Desmond, gaping in stunned silence. Within an hour, the worst of the damage was undone, the walls of Greywater Keep stronger and more pristine than they had been in centuries.
"A minor demonstration of my family's… architectural talents," Albedo said, a smug smile playing on her lips as she reverted to her 'Lady Alva' persona for Ser Desmond's benefit.
Ainz sighed internally. Albedo's idea of subtlety was… unique. But the results were undeniable. Greywater Keep was now significantly more defensible.
Entoma, meanwhile, her injuries now mostly healed thanks to a potent YGGDRASIL healing potion Albedo had produced from her "treasures," used her command over insects to discreetly clean the battlefield, her swarms consuming bloodstains and debris, leaving the courtyard unnaturally clean. She also deployed her insect spies throughout the surrounding woods, a silent, chitinous early warning system.
In the shadowy depths of Harrenhal…
Nyx's report arrived, delivered via the obsidian shard with frantic speed. It was a breathless, almost incoherent account of the battle at Greywater Keep: the arrival of the terrifying "demon queen" with her army of bone soldiers, the intervention of the seemingly invincible "Master Tian," and then the appearance of Lord Elian Hollow himself, who had, with a mere word, commanded both the sorceress and Tian, and seemed to possess an aura of power that dwarfed them all, despite his youthful human form. Nyx also noted, with particular emphasis, that Lord Elian had referred to the sorceress as "Albedo."
Demiurge read the report, his usually impassive features betraying a flicker of something akin to profound shock, quickly followed by an almost religious awe.
Albedo. Sebas Tian. And Lord Ainz Ooal Gown, in a human guise, yet commanding them both. The "Elian Hollow" persona was indeed a deliberate, intricate deception. His Master was not merely adapting; he was orchestrating events, gathering his forces, playing a game on a level that was almost beyond even Demiurge's comprehension. The sheer audacity, the layers of misdirection… Demiurge's respect for Lord Ainz, already immeasurable, deepened into something bordering on worship.
He immediately understood the implications. Lord Ainz was not alone, nor was he vulnerable in the way Demiurge had initially feared. He had two powerful, loyal Guardians at his side. Direct contact now, by Demiurge, might be premature, even disruptive to whatever grand strategy his Master was unfolding.
"Observation, then, remains paramount," Demiurge murmured to himself. "But the nature of that observation must change." He needed to understand why Lord Ainz was maintaining this human persona, why he was protecting these insignificant humans, and what his relationship with House Tully truly entailed. He also needed to prepare for his own eventual reunion, to ensure that when he did present himself, it would be with an offering, a strategic advantage, worthy of his Lord's notice. Perhaps the other stone circles, the ley lines Ainz was rumored to be investigating… perhaps they held the key.
Back in Greywater Keep, a semblance of order had been restored. The dead were buried, the wounded tended. Albedo, under Ainz's strict instructions, maintained her human guise as 'Lady Alva,' though her imperious demeanor and the aura of power she couldn't entirely suppress made her a terrifyingly impressive figure to the castle's inhabitants.
Ainz convened a council with his three reunited denizens of Nazarick in his chamber. The presence of Albedo, with her fierce intellect and strategic acumen, alongside Sebas's wisdom and Entoma's unique skills, changed the entire dynamic.
"With Albedo's arrival, and the resources she brings," Ainz began, "our situation has altered dramatically. Greywater Keep, even with its magically reinforced walls, is too small, too exposed to serve as a true base of operations for us."
Albedo nodded eagerly. "Precisely, Ainz-sama! We must establish a New Nazarick! A fortress worthy of your glory, from which we can project your divine power across this entire world!"
"That is the long-term goal, Albedo," Ainz said. "For now, we need a secure, hidden headquarters. The vision from the Hill of Screaming Winds, the ley line leading to that remote mountain peak… that could be our starting point." He looked at them. "An expedition is necessary, but this time, we will be better prepared."
Sebas outlined the logistical challenges of reaching such a remote and potentially hostile region. Entoma offered her insect spies for reconnaissance. Albedo, brimming with enthusiasm, proposed using her undead labor force and her own creation abilities to construct a fortress in record time.
As they were deep in planning, strategizing their next move, Ainz suddenly stilled. His head tilted, a look of intense concentration on his (Elian's) face. The obsidian amulet on his chest pulsed with a warm, insistent light.
"My Lord?" Sebas inquired, noticing the shift.
Ainz raised a hand for silence. He focused on the sensation, a clear, unambiguous signal resonating through his "Nazarick network" – the connection forged by his Beacon and amplified by the presence of his reunited companions. It wasn't a cry of distress this time, like Entoma's had been. This was a strong, deliberate pulse of Nazarick energy, like a formal response to his own Beacon. And it was moving, purposefully, in their general direction, though still many leagues away.
"Another," Ainz breathed, a slow smile spreading across his face – a smile that held both the satisfaction of a Guild Leader finding his scattered members and the anticipation of a King gathering his court. "Another of our own has answered the call. And they are actively seeking us."
The game was indeed changing. The pieces were falling into place faster than he could have anticipated. The question now was, who would be the next to arrive at the rapidly overcrowding, and increasingly powerful, court of Elian Hollow, the Sorcerer Lord of Greywater Keep?