"Is that what the king has done?"

"Yes. Although I speculate that Princess Malty has a major role in this."

"I see. So did he provide us with a specific time or deadline?"

"No, all he said was as early as possible."

"Hah! Then it can't be helped. Just what have you done?'

"Your majesty, will you be taking Princess Melty?"

"This time, I, don't think I can. If he really is like what you described, then leaving her here is the safest option. Do not inform her of the circumstances right now."

"Yes"

With that the figure outside the window went away. Inside a well furnished room, the queen of Melromarc, Mirellia Q. Merlormarc was left along with her servants.

She was wearing a purple royal gown that was being adjusted in the back by her servants. She had beautiful long purple hair ties in a bob.

The one she was just talking to was one of the shadows under her direct control. The shadow was in the castle town to keep tabs on the actions of the king and her first daughter. But what she had been reported with, could only be said to be devastating.

The country of Melromarc had been in war with the neighbouring country Siltvelt for a long time. Melromarc practiced human-supremacy whereas Siltvelt was the opposite. This war had been temporarily resolved because of many reasons, but the most important one was the establishment of a demi-human protected village.

But a few weeks ago, the village was destroyed completely by the knights under the king. This had greatly angered Siltvelt and they would have been preparing for war if not for the waves.

And now, all the four heroes were summoned by the king's order without her consent. It was earlier decided that each of the major countries would summon one hero each. As the agreement were breached, the other countries did not react happily. The relationship between them had been strained to no end because of this.

And now, there was the news of the discrimination and false charges against the shield hero. As a country that literally worships the shield hero, Siltvelt would not just sit back after all this. If this continued, war was inevitable. In the midst of war and the waves, the chances of survival of the country were slim to none. This was true for Siltvelt as well, especially considering they did not have any of the heroes for their protection.

And then there was the matter of her first daughter, Malty. She would be lying if she said she did not know that Malty was the one behind the king's foolish actions. She was most likely colluding the church. Malty had been pampered by her father to no limits since her birth. She had similar cunning to Mirellia herself, but she used it for nothing except others' misery and her own gains. No matter what was tried, Malty did not get on the right track.

The queen always knew in her heart that this would happen someday and now it did. Her actions brought out the worst possible outcome. She had angered a great ruler. According to the shadow, the shield hero, one of the summoned cardinal hero and the one aggrieved was "The Ruler Of Death". He was described as more terrifying than the waves.

But there was one chance left to make things right, but it would not come at a small price. She had been invited to have an audience with the shield hero. All that could be done was to apologize and expiate for all the wrongdoings. The compensation would not be small and in the worst case, the lives of her daughter and her husband were as good as forgotten. There was also a chance that they would not be forgiven.

She grabbed her head in frustration. The king had ignored all her messengers and letters regarding the unfolding events and now it had come to this. There was no choice left but to leave the country's affairs for now and head to meet the shield hero.

With every passing second, the country's demise was coming closer.

In the throne room of Nazarick, many figures were present. On the throne was sitting Ainz Ooal Gown. He maintained a calm and dignified appearance. But his mind was in overdrive. He was thinking how to progress with the plan.

The main plan had to be changed the moment the queen's visit was decided. That was because it was unexpected that the woman whom they talked with was a servant of the queen.

Now, today was the day the queen of Melromarc was coming to visit. He had asked Demiurge for the details of plan many times but the information that Demiurge gave was vague at best. He was told about the many paths that could be taken during the talks but their merits and demerits were not described. More so, the final decision had been left up to him. Demiurge was surely thinking that if it is Ainz, whatever path chosen, would be the correct one.

As he was ruminating about all this, the others in the room were extremely silent. To the left side of the throne were the Guardian Overseer Albedo and Shalltear Bloodfallen. Whereas on the left side were Cocytus, Demiurge and Pandora's Actor.

In front of the throne on both sides, sat two enormous dragons from the 6th floor. They were both level 90 NPCs under Mare. They were both facing each other forming a path in between. Ahead of the dragons, were Entoma, Solution, Shizu and Narberal in their maid uniforms.

Ainz got a message from Yuri that the guests have arrived at the edge of the forest.

"Shalltear, open the gate to the designated destination." Pandora's Actor had deactivated the anti-teleportation within Nazarick for today.

"Understood, Ainz-sama"

"Your majesty, we are just about to reach the edge of the forest."

Just some distance from the forest near the capital, one carriage was running through the grass. The carriage looked luxurious and was being pulled by two filolials. Normally there would be a flag of Melromarc too, but today as she was travelling in secret the flag had been removed.

The carriage was escorted by 5 knights on horses. The knights were not wearing their normal metal armor but leather ones. This too was done to capture less attention. Most of her forces had been left back with her daughter.

The queen was wearing her usual purple royal robe. She had been travelling for the past day to meet the shield hero. Breaks were only taken when the filolials were too tired to continue.

They arrived at the edge of the forest where they were supposed to go. As she got out of the carriage, she saw two beautiful maids standing there.

One had pale skin with black hair tied in cropped bun with glasses. She had something like green gauntlets on her hands. The other had brown skin with bright red hair tied in two braids. Their maid uniforms were of high quality and had metal plating at places. She wondered if they were suited for battle.

Some of the knights were staring at them and that could be considered rude. Thankfully the maid's words brought them to senses.

"Greetings and Welcome, your majesty Mirellia Q. Melromarc. My name is Yuri Alpha and I am here to welcome you. Beside me is my companion Lupusregina Beta."

"Thank you for going through the trouble. I am grateful to you for receiving us."

They handle themselves with utmost dignity and etiquette. Even more so than our experienced servants.

"Yes. Please come this way. There is no need to be worry about monsters and such, so please be at ease."

With that the maid with black hair, Yuri Alpha turned around while the other gave side to pass. The queen followed by the knights followed behind her. Lupusregina started behind them as the last knight passed.

After walking for about two minutes, they reached a shed about 2 stories tall. Mirellia wondered if this was the shed described by the shadow.

Yuri moved her hand towards her ears and said something. After that the doors to the shed opened big red hole within the air appeared. She figured out that this was the teleportation ability described by the shadow.

"Please go ahead."

Anticipation spread within the knights at watching such a thing and being tempted to go through it. Mirellia too was nervous but had to handle herself as the queen.

"Let's go!"

She moved ahead with being followed by the nervous knights.

As they passed through it, they reached a luxurious room. No, calling it luxurious would be an understatement. It was so beautiful that it alone put the castle of Melromarc to shame. The ceiling was high with beautiful chandeliers hanging down. They didn't seem to lighted by fire but magic. The walls were white and black with intricate designs on them.

Inside the room, was only one long table along with chairs surrounding them. This room looked like a dining room.

"Our master is currently making preparations so we apologize on that matter. Your journey must have been tiring, so we ask you take some rest until then."

"Yes, gladly."

She lead the way and sat down on one of the chairs. The chairs were very comfortable and table too was very beautiful. She wondered just who was the shield hero, that he possess such servants and such grand place.

After they sat down two more maids came in. They were very attractive too. They put down glass cups and poured a black liquid in it. Then, they gracefully bowed and left the room.

She was wondering what kind of drink this was. There were bubbles rising from within it and she worried if there was poison present. But denying it right now would be very rude of her. She took the glass in hand. The outside of the cup was cold and wet. She took a sip of the drink.

Delicious

The drink was very flavorful with a berry-like taste. It could not be compared to anything she had in her life. By now, she realized that everything here was leagues better than anything she possessed. She wondered if she should have brought an apology gift. But even if she did, what could possibly appeal.

After the drinks were gulped down and their exhaustion was gone, the two maids standing at the sides stepped forward and spoke-

"The preparations are complete. Please continue this way."

The place where they entered from had the same teleportation hole as before. She stood up in a noble way, and the others followed her.

As they passed through, they arrived in front of a massive double-doors. Intricate carvings decorated both sides of the doors; a beautiful goddess on the right and a cruel-looking demon on the left. Countless ominous-looking statues were arrayed around them. It depicted a scene of war between the two and the craftsmanship was just unbelievable.

"Beyond the doors lie the throne room. Ainz-sama is waiting for you within."

Ainz? That name is different than the one reported to me. I believe the name was Momon. So is this an alias. No, the other name must be an alias.

The maids bowed deeply and stepped back. The massive doors opened without any stimuli. What lied beyond drew many gasps from the knights behind. She herself was so frightened that she wasn't able to draw out any reaction. She just stood there for a moment with her mouth gaping open.

If there was a war such as depicted on the doors, then surely the gods must have lost. Such thoughts were running in her mind while she saw the vast room in front of her.

The previous room could not even touch the bottom of this one. The ceiling was very high and wide whereas the walls were white with gold decorations. On the ceiling hung many chandeliers like before that radiated bright light. Huge flag hung on poles set on the walls. Only one thing would come into mind after seeing it.

'Heavenly'

A crimson carpet ran down the center of the room and the path to the throne was flanked by four beautiful maids and two divine dragons. They faced each other with their heads slightly bent down.

Far ahead was a set of stairs that led to an elevated podium. Beside the throne stood five beings. An impeccable beauty with a godly face and black wings like a fallen angel, a beautiful silver haired girl with pale skin, a bluish white monster that looked like a giant insect, a slender yet vigorous man in a suit with crystal eyes and a long tail, and a human- shaped figure with 3 holes as face and long creepy fingers wearing a weird attire.

And upon the gigantic obsidian throne sat death itself. It was a monster with just bones as its body. Within the eye sockets, blood red points glowed. In its hand was a ominous staff. The staff's appearance was like many snakes coiling together with gemstones in their mouth. It was exactly like described to her, no, it was even more dominating.

This was a being that could be compared to Gods. Demon Gods. Truly, one looking at him would undoubtedly consider him to be the "Ruler of Death". He that even had the dragons and such monsters as servants. No one could compare to such being. The red glows in his eyes seemed to be made of hatred and darkness that would devour everything.

She realized that standing there too long would be rude. She forced her refusing legs to move forward. As she took a few steps, she realized that nobody was following her. She slowly turned around to see the six people behind shivering in fear. Upon seeing the turning queen, they too forced themselves to follow her. Walking with slow and wary steps, they reached some distance away from the stairs.

"Ainz-sama, this is the queen of Melromarc, Mirellia Q. Melromarc, who seeks an audience with you."

The sweet voice of the winged woman beside the throne reached her eyes. Her voice was radiant and matched her demeanor.

The undead being sitting on the throne responded to those words. The jawbones were not moving yet voice was coming out. Then again, there was neither flesh nor muscles. She saw a shield on the left arm of that being and her doubts vanished and she realized that he was indeed the shield hero.

"Queen of Melromarc. I am the master of the Great Underground Tomb Of Nazarick, Ainz Ooal Gown. I am glad that you have taken time out of your schedule to come here."

His voice was deep and hoarse, yet was more normal and humane than expected. She responded-

"No, that at all. You are one of the legendary heroes, Ainz Ooal Gown-sama. How could I have refused this invitation. I am humbly thankful for such a generous welcome."

The one in the suit standing beside the throne got a conflicted expression on his face. It seemed like he felt the urge to say something, nonetheless Ainz Ooal Gown continued speaking...

"I hope that was to your liking. Also there is no need for such formalities. Just calling me Ainz would suffice."

"If you say so, Ainz-sama. First of all, allow me to apologize on behalf the king, the princess, and inadvertently my country for they have disrespected you. I humbly aspire for your forgiveness on the matter. Truly, I am disgraced."

"There is no apology required for that as I believe that because of my anger, many of your country's higher ups perished. For that I apologize... However, the matter I am truly furious about, is that my home, this tomb was insulted without any apparent reason. And in the way, my friends and comrades were disrespected as well. That matter could not be solved with a simple apology."

That's true but at the same time, he didn't kill the king and the princess along with the heroes. Was this done to gain another advantage during this discussion. Just how far has he thought this out.

"I understand that and am completely ready to make do everything in my power to make amends. The actions that the king and my daughter were based on their personal desires and grudges. That is unacceptable and there is a need for them to be punished of their crimes. Trying to conspire one of the legendary heroes is a grave sin in itself."

"That won't be necessary."

"Huh?"

"Instead of punishing them now, I believe it will be beneficial to wait for now. I am sure you realize that they are not the only ones involved in this."

He knows that I am at a disadvantageous position and cannot deny his even knows about the third-party intervention. The more I try to struggle, the more I will get stuck in his webs. There is nothing else to do but comply to whatever he desires.

"I do possess information about the matter."

"Then that is good. What do you think shall be done?"

"I believe that for now, waiting as you said, would be the best course of action."

She had never had such unfavorable conditions in a delegation. She couldn't get a read on him. The lack of facial features made it all the more difficult.

"Let me ask you one thing, has the king and the princess been informed of this matter?"

"Not at the moment. I had thought that the culprits should be brought but as the invitation did not extend to anyone else, I deemed it would be rude."

Why did he ask about them? What has that got to do with this.?

"Hmm. I guess that is fine. Now, as for the repercussion. I have only five demands.

First, this entire forest be labelled as a prohibited area for all without my consent. All those who enter shall not leave alive, no matter who they are.

Second, the king and the princess' punishment shall be chosen by me when the time comes without objection. I believe that is fair. I promise that they shall not be given death.

Third, I lack information about this world and many of this shield's features. I am sure that you must possess at least some information regarding the matters. I hope you would share it with me.

Fourth, I am willing to save this world, but I hope you don't misunderstand. I have to protect this world to protect those I hold dear and this place. If the other heroes try to obstruct with my work in any way, they shall not be given an easy death.

And at last, you may not directly imply the fourth demand. You may covertly change the paths of the heroes, however if they specifically try to come at me, you are forbidden from taking actions.

I hope that there is no problem with these demands."

The last line said was not a confirmation but a declaration.

Out of all the demands, the last one was the worst there could be. This meant the heroes were ultimately at his mercy.

However, this was currently the best thing that could happen. War would be prevented nonetheless and this could be seeds for a future relationship with the shield hero and Nazarick. A harsh yet concrete relation. Rejection of the demands was out of the question.

But she had to ensure the heroes' safety.

"I believe that those demands are acceptable. The provision of information was one of our initial responsibilities and we failed at it. So if it's fine, I may tell you the information now."

"Ah, Please go ahead"

"The three waves as you may know come with a gap of one month in between, with each wave stronger than the previous one. When the wave starts, all the heroes are teleported to the location of the waves. You have the party option on your status screen..." The explanation went on as she described various functions of the legendary weapons and the waves.

"That is all."

"I see, your explanation is most appreciated. I was not informed about most of these."

"It was my duty. But, now that all is said and done, I hope you will comply with one of our requests too."

"Who do you take us for. Ainz-sama, it is not appropriate for such inferior species to talk in such a way to yourself." The one in the suit intervened and started saying something

"Kne-" But was interrupted.

"Demiurge. Stop it. That's enough"

"Yes. Understood"

"I apologize for my subordinate's rude display. Please go ahead."

"Yes. I understand that you are only willing to fend off the waves to protect your own. But I hope that you do not bring harm to the heroes. I say that, because heroes are meant to protect against the waves and even if one of them is missing, then the power of the waves rise exponentially. This could end up making the waves difficult for you too."

"Hmm!? It raises the power of the waves. That might be a problem. Understood, I will make sure that they don't die."

"Thank you."

"Then, now that all the matters are resolved. You have come this far leaving your important work to meet up with me. I suppose you would be tired from your troubles. To send you back as such is rude on our part. As you are already here, why not spend the night here? I shall prepare a warm welcome for you."

Huh, staying here might be a good idea as there are many dangerous monsters roaming along the way. But, there is no telling what the monsters here would do. So far, he seems to be respectable but it just gives a bad feeling. There is no inn nearby either. Did he take this into consideration too. Just what is the shield hero. We can't stay here. Even the knights can't take it anymore.

"No, there is no need to go through the trouble for that. We shall take our leave."

"I see. Well, it can't be helped. Then, how about one of my subordinates sends you back."

In her mind, she was thinking if he was trying to prevent her from going to the capital. And how will he send her?

Will the teleportation be used? Or will it be in some other way? I can't owe him any more favors.

"I thank you for the offer, but I must respectfully decline. I believe I should go back in the carriage as I came."

"Very well, Albedo, escort them outside."

"Yes."

The winged woman, Albedo got off the podium and moved ahead of Mirellia. She tempted them to follow her outside the throne room. Seeing her closer, Mirellia could not stop herself from admiring her beauty.

She tried to move forward, but her legs were shaking uncontrollably. Whether she was relieved that the country was saved, frightened of what would happen to her family or terrified of the monsters in there. Perhaps it was all three, but it took all she had just to remain standing.

She tried to force her legs but they refused to move.

"You do not look so well. Are you sure that you don't want to stay the night?"

"Y-yes. Its fine."

Just a little more.

She steeled herself again and moved ahead. The knights too followed behind her. She really was a great leader who was followed by the people. Her moving in such conditions gave strength to the knights to continue.

As the giant door opened, the same teleportation spell was again present. They all passed through it and reached the place where the carriage was waiting.

"I wish you a safe journey."

"Thank you so much."

Albedo went back through the gate and Mirellia along with the knights were left standing there. She quickly moved to the carriage and went inside.

All the strength left her body and she slumped on the seats. Her trembling had not yet stopped. She had been sweating profusely in there. She didn't move her body for while and let it calm down.

Her thoughts were running rampant on just the thought of the dreadful aura the monsters were releasing. Those terrifying monsters she had never even heard of kneeling in front of death. It was truly a horror.

The knights conditions weren't that good either. Two of them had fainted as soon as the adrenaline left their body. They didn't, or weren't able to continue travelling for the next 10 minutes.

Later on, she fell sick with high fever.

She was truly thankful that she didn't choose to take Melty along with her.

On the other hand, her anger for the king and Malty held no bounds. Even though she loved them with all her heart, her frustration was completely justified. She wanted to reprimand them and punish them, especially Malty. The vexation about the church wasn't small either.

The only thing holding her back was the words of the shield hero. If she took any actions now, it would mean disaster. There was no way to know their complete potential strength, but one thing was clear as a crystal. That going against that cunning and powerful being, a being that possibly rivaled the gods, the shield hero, would be utter foolishness.

As her mind was stuck in a furry of emotions, in many parts of the country, the tales of the devil of the shield were spreading.

In a certain room in a certain village, five silhouettes could be seen. They were the Spear Hero, Motoyasu's party. Standing in front of them were two shadows, the corps directly under the queen's rule.

"W-what is this irreverence... Why is the whole forest prohibited. The forest literally covers area from the capital to the border."

The one speaking was Malty Q. Melromarc, a party member of the spear hero. She held a scroll in her hand given by the shadows. It was a direct royal decree from her mother, the queen. This meant that the order was absolute and resisting the order could get even her in trouble.

"I believe you understand that this is an emergency edict. Hence, from today, this moment on, the entry to the great forest is forbidden without the personal permission from the queen. Any found out trying to do so shall be rightfully punished by the queen herself.

"What is the meaning of this? How are we supposed to gain levels then. You know that most of the high level monsters are present in the forest only."

"We understand your problems but this order is absolute."

"At least tell us the reason behind it."

"Forgive us but we cannot do so. Now, our work here is done and we shall take our leave. Please excuse us."

The two shadows slightly bowed and left the room.

"That's unbelievable. Now we will have to level up without defeating the forest's monsters. Hey Myne, is there no way to enter the forest now?"

"Motoyasu-sama, there's no need to worry. I am sure mama would give us, the spear hero's party permission to enter the forest."

Malty's smile on the outside was kind and caring, while on the inside there was a devilish grin.