Valkyrie's Shadow

Chapter 25

The idea that an exceptional talent had appeared in the Sorcerous Kingdom only had the effect of whetting Ainz’s appetite for more. While the population of E-Rantel was rather sparse compared to the highly developed core territories of the Empire and Re-Estize, it was still a respectable sum of people. If they could find one more…no, two – two more exceptional persons, he felt that it would satisfy him for the time being.

He could certainly use some sort of rising star in the Adventurer Guild. The best team being Mithril-rank didn’t have the same flair as an up and coming Hero who could attract the masses to his banner. Maybe something like an idol as well? The local entertainment industry was next to nonexistent, so having one would surely help on that front. Hmm…maybe three more exceptional persons was a better number to aim for? The gacha rates in this world were extraordinarily harsh.

“Yes, Ainz-sama.”

Albedo withdrew two more folders from her inventory and added them to his desk.

Ainz resisted the urge to do a fist pump. He reached out to open a blue folder which seemed to hold the most content.

“That is the file for Clara Corelyn,” Albedo said, “the noble that was promoted to Countess last month – with your approval.”

D-did I do that? How many documents do you think I stamped in that pile last month!

Though he had made it a point to read every document carefully at the time, it had still turned into an unrecognizable blur after a few weeks. He settled in to read the documents in the file again, and a flash of remembrance caused him to realize why he had approved of the promotion.

Albedo usually attached various notes to the documents in addition to their references. Warnings, complaints, recommendations. The document had been remarkable precisely because it was unremarkable, for Albedo had added absolutely nothing to the files. In short, the supremely capable administrative intellect that was Albedo had absolutely no complaints about Clara Corelyn – at least in terms of what was presented. According to the file, she was only seventeen years of age; Ainz wondered what sort of monster this woman was.

“Hmm…as I recall,” he said, “you went to visit Re-Estize just before I left last month. Were you able to meet with that individual that had attracted Demiurge’s interest back then?”

“Indeed, Ainz-sama, I was able to meet with her.”

“Then if you were to compare these two, what would you say?”

Albedo tilted her head in thought, spending a long moment in silence.

“Of their raw ability, I cannot say,” she said at some length. “The Princess of Re-Estize has a much wider breadth of knowledge, though I suppose one could attribute it to her station and the resources that she has access to. She seems very much aloof of the world – or, rather, I would consider her perspective and agendas to be rather base, despite her apparent intellect. As far as this topic is concerned, she is a seed that has yet to suggest what sort of fruit may be borne; an experiment which has yet to show any results.

“Countess Corelyn, on the other hand, is not accompanied by the same uncertainties. As she is one of Ainz-sama’s subjects, all of her actions can be quantified and analyzed in great detail. Her projections play out to their ideal ranges, her management is spotless and order is effortlessly achieved under her administration. The data collected from her activities has been instrumental in the formative weeks of the new administration, and her contributions continue to yield valuable results. Even the strategy she has employed against the Slane Theocracy at our southern border is nothing if not amusing.”

Ainz flipped through the pages of the dossier until he found what Albedo was referring to and snorted.

“This is indeed amusing,” he said. “I can only imagine the looks on their faces.”

“Yes, Ainz-sama,” Albedo smiled coldly. “They continue to be made fools of in plain view, and can do nothing about it.”

Ainz closed the blue folder and replaced it with the remaining one, opening its subdued crimson cover.

“The final dossier is for Florine Gagnier,” Albedo said, “who is also a Human woman inheriting holdings due to the Battle of Katze Plains. Though her personal achievements are not as flashy as that of Baroness Wagner, nor comprehensive in scale as Countess Corelyn, Baroness Gagnier stepped forward to assist in streamlining the resettlement and organization of the lands to the north and east, which are mostly under the city’s direct administration.

“Without a clear picture by which to measure her efforts, they would be perceived as mundane and unremarkable. With one, however, it is plain to see that she is an individual of great talent and ability.”

He read through the pages and pages of her file, until the points of his eyes swam and he skipped to the end. He made a noise upon reviewing the summary.

“I see. The type that is not missed until they are gone…”

Ainz Ooal Gown had a few members just like this. Skilled and reliable guild members who were modest; who never acted out or promoted themselves. They just quietly kept on, until they faded away and suddenly you were short a critical role that was impossible to replace. Raids would become painful until they eventually stopped entirely, then after that even parties would be hard to form. An existence unrewarded; a friend taken for granted…

Ainz shook his head, pushing the sorrowful memories of the past away. He put the folder down, looking up at Albedo.

“How is this person being compensated for her efforts?”

“There is no compensation being offered, Ainz-sama.”

He felt his emotional suppression hammer down the surge of fury that suddenly rose within him.

“A-Ainz-sama–? Ainz-sama!”

Ainz looked up to find Albedo leaning over the table towards him, her beautiful face marred with genuine concern. He slowly unclenched the fist in his lap, hidden behind the desk.

Did…did I just get angry at Albedo? No – it was me. I was mad at myself. I was the Guildmaster. They were my fault.

“I’m alright, Albedo. It’s nothing – no, that’s not right. Those that serve under my rule shall be rewarded in equal measure. Do you not believe that to be just?”

That can’t happen. Never again.

“It is as you say, Ainz-sama,” Albedo withdrew from the desk and lowered her head. “Though as unassuming as she is, it may take some time to discover what she truly desires.”

“Umu. As long as you understand. If we are to attract and retain promising talent, the Sorcerous Kingdom must be a place where such individuals are duly appreciated. Regardless of their occupation or station.”

“Of course, Ainz-sama. For your dominion to be superior to all others on all levels, this will be an effective measure to tempt away the valuable members of other nations, as well as cultivate our own.”

How did it turn into that? Well, so long as we don’t lose precious, talented people.

He tapped a bony finger on his desk, letting out a nonexistent breath. He didn’t get an Adventurer, nor an idol…well, nobles were sort of like idols, weren’t they? But they weren’t celebrities in the entertainment industry. He supposed that, at any stage of the Sorcerous Kingdom’s development, talented administrators were inherently more valuable. As the Sorcerous Kingdom grew, they would inevitably need more as well.

Ainz guessed he could consider it a lucky draw that he couldn’t really complain about. Time to move on…

“I believe you had concerns over the enactment of laws when last we convened in this fashion,” Ainz brought out his practiced, regal voice again. “With the Sorcerous Kingdom in a more stable condition, have you made any headway in that area?”

“Yes, Ainz-sama,” Albedo nodded. “It should be stated, however, that the majority of the amendments thus far are in consideration of the multi-racial nature of the Sorcerous Kingdom, as they were previously laws which solely applied to Humans, their goods and their property. Protocols in regard to the Undead and Necromancy have been reworked as well, for obvious reasons. In regards to new legislation, one has been passed into law.”

“Is that so…which one would that be?”

“A bill enacted that legalizes the use of mind control for Judicial investigations.”

“Hm…was it not speculated that it was one of the laws that would generate the most backlash amongst the local leaders due to its perception as taboo?”

“You are correct, Ainz-sama,” Albedo nodded. “There was resistance upon its proposal, but once it was understood how it would be employed and the regulations surrounding its use were clearly outlined, the local leaders turned to favour its implementation.”

“Then what of other new laws? I find it hard to imagine that they would be so averse to changes if they were willing to accept mind control.”

“With the…grand opening in a few days, we’ve decided to call a recess in the legislature. In this period, we will be evaluating how the foreign merchants that arrive to trade in the city react to the amendments made thus far.”

“A prudent choice.”

“Thank you, Ainz-sama. Once the legislature reconvenes, we will be continuing to work on the enactment of new laws. By winter, I believe the benefits of the Sorcerous Kingdom’s policies will be made clear and any opposition based on economic concerns or residual antagonism will have mostly dissipated. Orderly legislative processes should be the order of the day from that point forward. We are also currently weighing how to incorporate Demihuman communities in the Sorcerous Kingdom into the framework of the greater government, but fundamental differences in customs and biology leave us with various difficulties…”

“I understand, Albedo. As I said previously: you have my complete trust when it comes to the creation of functional legislation for the Sorcerous Kingdom…is something the matter?”

As Ainz spoke, Albedo’s posture and expression shifted ever so slightly. He frowned.

“…there is one matter I would like to discuss with you, Ainz-sama. I believe this requires your direct input.”

Uh oh.

So far, everything seemed straightforward – more like an overview or progress report, of sorts. Now, an issue that caused even Albedo to deliberate heavily upon and come to him to consult on reared its ugly head. Ainz cursed himself: lingering on the subject of laws for so long was just asking for it.

“Let’s see it then,” he steeled himself.

Albedo’s delicate, gloved hand disappeared into the air in front of her. When it reappeared again, it was grasping the edge of a tome.

What the…how big is that thing?

The tome was withdrawn roughly halfway out before Albedo’s eyes widened briefly, and her hand stopped.

Uh…is it stuck? Really? How big does it have to be to get stuck? How did she make it fit?

“Ainz-sama.”

“Y-yes?”

“Your clothing today…did you select it specifically?”

“Hm? Uh, well, it was coordinated by the maid on duty, but I am quite fond of it. I suppose it is more to my tastes, if that is your question.”

Albedo blinked several times before visibly gathering herself and removing the rest of the book from her inventory and placing it on the desk.

Uwah…sorry for having such shitty fashion sense!Now, what the hell is this, even?

He looked down at the absurdly thick tome, and his gaze traced the edges of his desk to check if it was straining under its weight. He was fairly certain the thing could be used as a deadly weapon. His head turned up to meet Albedo’s gaze.

“What is the meaning of this, Albedo?”

Albedo flinched. Ainz frowned, furrowing his brow deeply.

“I-I’m sorry to have taken up your precious time with this, Ainz-sama,” her tips of her wings trembled. “It’s regarding an incident that occurred while you were away in the Dwarf Kingdom. The summary is inside the cover…it’s a matter in which I’m uncertain of.”

His expression did not fade as he looked down once again at the tome. Opening it would surely look like the yawning jaws of some beast, large enough to swallow a man whole. Ainz lifted the cover slightly and pulled out the folder he spotted within. He narrowed his eyes, and his frown only deepened when he read through the content.

This was happening in the Sorcerous Kingdom?

“Explain,” he said grimly.

“Y-yes, Ainz-sama,” Albedo licked her lips, which had lost their colour. “The ongoing situation that you see described in the documents was something we were monitoring. They matched patterns of behaviour observed scattered throughout various portions of Re-Estize.”

“I believe you know my stance on these matters: we cannot have any sort of this nonsense here. I do not consider this acceptable behaviour for our citizens.”

“I predicted that there would be an attempt at remediation,” Albedo said, “so I decided to see how such an attempt would play out. The measures were, as you see before you, insufficient. While the data collected was invaluable, I did not foresee that Shalltear would intervene.”

How in the world did that happen, anyways? As far as he knew, Shalltear was organizing the Frost Dragons and the logistics surrounding the Sorcerous Kingdom’s assistance with the Dwarven migration.

Towards the end of the investigation, she had popped up and leveled the capital of the county, after which Mare had come to clean up the mess. Aura dealt with the remaining criminals trying to escape. Then, they went around and dumped all of the citizens in the county in the opposite corner of Re-Estize. Losing nearly 20,000 of his citizens seemed painful, but the land itself was poorly managed and spiraling into destitution.

Actually, he didn’t lose 20,000 citizens – not if he considered the preparations underway to destabilize Re-Estize. Eventually, they would willingly join under the Sorcerous Kingdom under similar terms as the Empire had. In a few years, these exiles would effectively be back under the Sorcerous Kingdom’s influence, and it wasn’t as if they could track every single individual to make sure they stayed out in that case. He could simply offer amnesty and play it off as being a kind and merciful ruler, allowing them to return to better lives than their formerly squalid existence. The loss of a small town was a shame but, in the grand scheme of things, everything worked out quite neatly for him.

Still…was a punishment in order for the actions of the group investigating matters? Out of the four names mentioned, there was one not on the list of exceptional persons, so it seemed a convenient throwaway.

He went back to the report and started reading through it more carefully.

“What is it about this incident that you wish to discuss?” He asked as he continued his reading.

“It would be in relation to the laws of Re-Estize that were adopted by the Sorcerous Kingdom, Ainz-sama,” she answered. “These laws facilitate the patterns of behaviour you see here. Foolish Humans twisting their master’s laws to their advantage for short term gains and an inflated sense of self worth.”

Ainz continued reading as she spoke, and long after. Laws twisted and enforced by corrupt officials and their lackeys. If Touch Me was here, what would he say? Ulbert would have probably gone on some sort of rampage.

“Since you said that you desire my input, I believe the laws should stay as they are, Albedo. Barring your efforts to adapt them to other species, of course.”

“May I know what led you to this conclusion, Ainz-sama?”

Sentimentality. He wanted to say, but he had already used that once. He sighed internally; it sounded lame, anyways.

Please look at the people on stage.

An echo of recent events, Gondo’s words drifted up to the forefront of his mind. The points of his eyes dimmed as the vision of the Dwarven celebration rose out of his memories. Gondo had requested that he do one more thing for the Runesmiths, before they set about moving to their new home in the Sorcerous Kingdom. Ainz had readily agreed, as it was a relative pittance from his perspective.

As scene played out, he thought on Gondo’s words. It was a going away party; he had helped to provide a feast for them, so they were happy…or so he thought. But, after Gondo explained at length, he came to understand that what he had done was not just secure provisions for a party.

It was not the generous offering of food and drink; the promise of housing and employment that was what returned their stride. It was what it meant – what he had restored to them. What he had restored to them was…

“Pride.”

The points of light in his eyes flared.

“Pride?” Albedo tilted her head curiously.

“Indeed,” Ainz nodded. “Tell me, Albedo: do you take pride in being a denizen of Nazarick?”

“Of course, Ainz-sama!” Albedo said, “It is the greatest privilege to be a part of Nazarick and a creation of the Supreme Beings!”

Behind her, Foire nodded empathetically. Even the Eight-Edge Assassins on the ceiling seemed to be doing it somehow.

“Then do you also believe that the people of the Sorcerous Kingdom should have pride as well?”

“I believe they should be proud to be ruled by you, Ainz-sama.”

Well, that suddenly went in the wrong direction. Ainz scratched his chin lightly.

“You don’t believe that they should take pride in being citizens of the Sorcerous Kingdom?”

“Forgive me, Ainz-sama. Your foolish servant does not understand.”

Oh, give me a break!

The urge to sidestep the issue rose within him, but he was certain the same problem would keep coming back to haunt him in the future. Albedo was not the only member of Nazarick with these kinds of questions. He stared down at the deep green folder that lay before him, thinking on its content.

Just as simply having food and drink provided to them was not truly what had returned life to the Runesmiths, so, too, could he no longer believe that simply ensuring provision and security for his citizens would produce the results he desired. At the time, what he had relied on for reference was his own life as Suzuki Satoru, in a world where simply scraping by to live was the status quo, so a land where one did not need to worry about that seemed a novel idea.

Now, however, he had gone to various places; visited the societies of Humans, Demihumans and even Heteromorphs. His experiences, he thought, gave him a better idea of how he intended to rule the Sorcerous Kingdom.

There were parts of him that resonated with others. He recalled his disappointed feelings when he discovered what Adventures did in this world, and it turned out that they felt the same way. They were galvanized by the future he offered to them, and Ainz was excited in turn, certain that they would become excellent representatives for the nation.

Just as he had done for the Adventurers; just as he had done for the Runesmiths, just as he had instructed Demiurge to ensure that the Empire would be satisfied in their relationship with the Sorcerous Kingdom, so, too, would he need to find a way for his own subjects. Not just for the citizens of the Sorcerous Kingdom, but for the children of his friends especially. So that the proud legacy of Ainz Ooal Gown could grow and flourish in this new world.

“Hmm…well, let me put it another way…”

He looked around at the occupants of the room, then settled his gaze on Albedo.

“While I have said that I’m not adept dealing with matters of the law, I have had some exposure as to how it is perceived. Touch Me and Ulbert shared a great rivalry and disagreed over a great many things, but there is at least one thing that they both understood that I noted was the same. That there is the letter of the law, and the spirit of the law – and that without its spirit, the letter of the law may simply be employed as a tool to crush the powerless underfoot. By your own words, this is at least roughly what is happening here, yes?”

“Yes, Ainz-sama.”

“You propose to change the laws, not only because of this sort of thing, but also because you dislike how they limit the powers of the sovereign. However, do you actually believe it has done anything of the sort?”

“…no, Ainz-sama.”

Even with absolute authority, he couldn’t possibly micromanage every aspect of everyone’s lives anyways – nor would he ever want to. Nor did he know what they each needed. But unlike before, where he considered himself the sole employee capable of producing a product entirely foreign to the NPCs, he understood now that there were indeed others who could be employed.

Just as he had done for Gondo, all he needed to do was set the stage. Those who knew what needed to be done would act upon it.

“The letter of the law is employed when the worst in people manifests. The spirit of the law allows the best in them to be drawn forth. Changing the letter of the law only redefines how undesirable behaviour is curtailed, but allowing the spirit of the law to be upheld both minimizes this behaviour and brings out the character of the people. We can always prune away those who choose to go against my wishes for the Sorcerous Kingdom, but, if the ground we plant on is sterile, nothing will grow at all.

“Tell me, Albedo: do you consider your service to the Sorcerous Kingdom a blessing to be embraced, or a burden forced upon you, to be cursed?”

“I-it is a blessing, Ainz-sama! Never would any of us consider it anything resembling a curse! We would happily grind ourselves to dust in order to carry out your will!”

“Umu.”

Ainz rose to his feet. He closed the file folder and held it up in one hand before him.

“Within this report, I see many instances of the letter of the law being employed in complete disregard to the spirit of the law. Yet who was it that submitted this report? Certainly not the perpetrators themselves.

“At the least, I see the same three names that you’ve presented in these other folders here. Talented, capable and hard-working individuals that you yourself have rated highly from an administrative standpoint, leaving their comfortable positions to deal with one of their peers. What I see is not the struggle of a downtrodden people rising against their oppressors. I see citizens rising to uphold the spirit of the law.

“And that is not all: I see Humans, Elves, Demons and Undead all working together for this common cause. I see denizens of Nazarick and citizens of the Sorcerous Kingdom joining hands. All of differing stations, perspectives and opinions, yet all acting in a concerted effort to protect the nascent soul of our nation. This is what I desire to see, Albedo. This is what I mean by pride.

“It is not cheap, empty pride, nor pride in race, religion or creed. It is the pride of a nation: in its leadership and in the spirit of its laws; in the dignity and worth of its people. Pride that draws a line in the hearts of all, where all know why they must stand and fight – why sacrifices must be made, if need be. For king and country. For friends and family. No matter what challenges they face. In every place touched by the Sorcerous Kingdom; in every generation in the ages to come, this pride will be carried by my subjects and, by the world, they will be recognized as ours.

“Pride that can be found nowhere else: only in the citizens of the Sorcerous Kingdom.

“This pride; this identity,” Ainz Ooal Gown declared, “will be their Birthright.”

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