In response to Yuri’s orders, the doors of the log house opened, and something huge stepped out.

　

“Gehhhh!”

　

　A lone cry rang out. It was a strange sound that one might expect of a strangled chicken.

　When they realized who had cried out, terror filled the hearts of everyone present, not just Jircniv.

　The one who had made that uncharacteristic sound was the Head Magician of the Empire, Fluder Paradyne. He was a man who was said to be able to rival the Thirteen Heroes. A man like that now stood with eyes wide with terror, his gaze fixed on the things emerging from the log house.

　As if pulled by him, everyone’s gazes fell on one thing.

　

　What came out from the log house was a thing wearing black armour and reeking of violence. It’s large body carried a marble table.

　

　There was a sound of something falling to the ground.

　One of Fluder’s disciples had collapsed to his knees upon the ground, his face pale and his body devoid of strength. Or rather, almost all of the four acolytes he had brought along had ended up that way. Their pale faces were frozen in shock as they began hyperventilating.

　

“Impossible. How could this… no, no, it can’t be. Are those Death Knights….?”

　

　Fluder sputtered out his words as if he had forgotten who he was. This scene was extremely strange for anyone who saw. The knights determined that it was dangerous and began to view the black armour with caution.

　

　Fluder could not believe it.

　The scene in front of him.

　The undead that he failed to control was bringing a table to place on the grass and seemed to be the maid’s subordinate. He had not left reality to the point that he failed to understand what it meant.

　 Similar to how a small boat would be rocked by the waves during a storm, Fluder’s heart was shaken by this shocking development.

　However Fluder regained his will of steel.

　This possibility existed. When they learned that he could use undead that rivaled Gazef.

　Meeting a better magic caster than him was Fluder’s dearest wish.

　Isn’t it now granted. He calmed himself down with that thought. His disciples were unable to do so and were still breathing heavily from the stress.

　

“What’s wrong? Jii?”

　

　Jircniv’s voice was dyed in worry. While he seemed to be uneasy from a close person acting so strangely, Jircniv actually wanted Fluder to explain. Normally Fluder would do so immediately.

　However, now that was a pain. Explaining to him would be a waste of time. With such a blatant attitude, he ignored Jircniv. The surroundings were shocked.

　Because he did such a thing to their lord.

　

“I have a question! Is that a Death Knight?!”

“Yes. That is correct.”

　

　In contrast to Fluder’s strained voice, Yuri’s was unwaveringly calm.

　

“Does it belong to, Gown-dono?”

“Yes. It is a subordinate of Ainz-sama.”

“What! Gown-dono is commanding it!”

　

　Everyone nearby understood the meaning of what was said. Basically commanding that Death Knight was a great exploit even Fluder could not do.

　Then— Then.

　What should they do?

　

　From the log house, once again, another Death Knight carrying a table appeared.

　It then passed it to the earlier Death Knight. It was similar to a bucket relay. Of course, it did not end with two. In total, five appeared.

　

　Fluder’s body shivered.

　His expression was one frozen in shock, as if he had seen something unbelievable.

　

“Ah…. Ah….”

　

　Fluder’s knees gave way. On his face was an agape mouth and shocked expression.

　

“Fluder-do, dono?”

　

　One knight struggled to form the question. Only one had asked, but all the other knights had the same tense expression. Even the four strongest knights of the Empire.

　Fluder was the man said to rival or even surpass the 13 Heros. To the knights, he was respected as someone who could use many overwhelming spells and was the greatest protector of the Empire. That man was now quivering on the ground. This lead to great confusion.

　Power blazed up in Fluder’s eyes. However, the panic in the surroundings failed to enter. This was natural. There was something far more important to confirm.

　Fluder asked Yuri.

　

“I would like to ask. T, that too?”

“Yes. It is Ainz-sama’s subordinate?”

“I, Impossible….What magic….No, the gap in skill. I have a question, what tier of magic can Gown-dono use up to?”

“Please ask Ainz-sama directly.”

　

　Fluder’s expression froze as he heard Yuri’s cold words.

　Silence fell.

　The knights could not believe that those were the words of a maid, Jircniv’s interest in her deepened, and—

　

“Fu, fuhahahahaha!”

　

　—A laugh could be heard that broke everything. A laugh that came from the bottom of his heart, a laugh that, here, did not fit the image of Fluder.

　Baziwood’s brows furrowed in disgust. Was this the time to laugh. They should be cautious, and laughter did not suit the mood. Or did he not understand the meaning in Yuri’s words.

　Sending a signal to the other knights to be cautious, he moved closer to Fluder and asked.

　

“Fluder-dono. Is this place dangerous? For his Majesty’s protection—”

“—Are you an idiot?”

　

　Fluder cut off Baziwood instantly. Despite being called a fool, Baziwood did not reply. He was pressured by the dangerous light blazing in Fluder’s eyes.

　

“You do not even understand what place this is…. The level is different. That Death Knight is a monster that would requite countless knights to subdue. And there are five. Even if the four knights attack one it will be over. Unable to tell even that, what protecting can you do? You want to protect him under these conditions? Even though the Death Knights are not wielding their weapons, do you know they still have special abilities?”

　

　He had the aura of a hero.

　The air that pressed down on them from Fluder was at that level. However, it did not give them a warm feeling.

　He possessed immense magical might, enough to take on all the Four Knights at once. And his voice took on a demented tone as he appeared to be going insane.

　It was only natural that the nearby royal guards would break out in goosebumps.

　Amidst all this, only the people from Nazarick and Jircniv kept their cool.

　

“…He controls Death Knights, and in such numbers! Marvellous! Marvellous!! Marvellous!!! For such an amazing person to be here! Marvellous! Fuhahahaha!”

　

　A single tear oozed from the corner of his eye, and he smiled like a madman.

　—No, that was not it.

　This was the true nature of a man who had abandoned his position as a wizard of the Imperial court to glimpse the deepest mysteries of the abyss called “magic.” Until now, it had been hidden under the mask of a hero, but it had surfaced in the presence of a powerful magic caster.

　

“Well then, Your Majesty. What shall we do now? Should we flee with teleportation magic? I think if we teleported now, we should be able to make it, no? Assuming the terrain allows for it…”

　

　Seeing Fluder’s mocking smile, Jircniv laughed.

　

“I like that face of yours, Gramps. Then, let me ask a question in turn. Do you think I will run?”

　

　Cracks spread rapidly throughout Fluder’s face. That was the smile of a madman, which instilled terror in all who saw it.

　

“As expected of his Majesty. The same as me. I want to see, meet him. The great magic caster that can command the Death Knight, Ainz Ooal Gown-dono.”

“That much?”

　

　In contrast to Fluder who could not command even one, Ainz Ooal Gown could command five. Thinking simply, Ainz Ooal Gown was at least five times stronger than Fluder.

　

“Hahaha, of course, your Majesty. He is probably on another level than me. I am very excited to meet such a powerful magic caster while still alive.”

　

　The faces of Fluder’s disciples were all pale, and the knights were scared that they were in the yard of such an existence. The only ones calm were Jircniv and Fluder.

　

“Your Majesty, what should we do?”

　

　Baziwood asked Fluder in bafflement. Jircniv then looked at everyone.

　Even excluding Fluder and his disciples, the knights were slowly getting demoralised. It was to the point that it was not strange for one to break. This was due to Fluder’s strange state and the strength of the Death Knights. They were uneasy because they had to methods to deal with one.

　Jircniv was strange for being able to remain calm despite being told that they were approaching death. On the other hand Fluder’s thirst for the knowledge of magic triumphed over his fear.

　

“We can do nothing though?”

“Ha? Is that fine?”

“…Baziwood, look at Jii. He’s the most familiar of all of us with magic and he’s like that now. All we can do is leave everything to our hosts.”

“How about escaping?”

“Do you really think we can escape?”

　

　Baziwood glanced at the maids. They had clearly overheard them talking about fleeing, but calmly continued their preparations anyway.

　

“What if we took a hostage?”

“Can we?”

“….Seems to be impossible.”

　

　They felt that they could not. Baziwood felt that the maid was more mysterious than the Death Knights. The other 3 knights had the same impression. It was to the point that they imagined that even fighting at full strength, they could only hold for several tens of seconds.

　

“….Are we ready, then? In that case, everyone, I hope you will relax over here.”

　

　There were many tables and chairs in place on the grass. The tables were covered in pure white tablecloths and large parasols gave shade. The Death Knights who had been moving the furniture into place were standing by beside the log house in order not to get in the way.

　

“We have also prepared refreshments for you.”