The death of the Tiger Knights was a clear warning to Lock.
It meant that the Royal Capital was no longer a playground where he could act with impunity.
If a Guardian of the Great Tomb had personally intervened at the Six Arms' stronghold, then there was only one conclusion—Eight Fingers had already fallen under Nazarick's control.
What troubled Lock was not that it happened.
It was how fast it happened.
Too fast.
Unreasonably fast.
Even accounting for Sebas taking in Tierra—the discarded prostitute from Eight Fingers—that alone should not have triggered such a decisive response. Yes, after Shalltear's rebellion, Nazarick's vigilance toward outsiders had reached paranoia-level intensity, but even then…
This exceeded expectations.
Solution's hostility toward Tierra was predictable—mere xenophobia. But as long as Tierra posed no existential threat, Sebas's authority should have protected her.
Lock had counted on that.
Originally, he believed that by controlling Shakyulont, Eight Fingers would be temporarily severed from Nazarick's reach. After all, Aenpe Itivea, head of the slave division, was the one responsible for retrieving runaways like Tierra.
The matter should have ended there.
Yet reality disagreed.
Sebas and Solution had lived in the Royal Capital for quite some time, but their intelligence gathering had been shallow at best. They shouldn't have known the locations of Eight Fingers' hidden strongholds so quickly.
Which meant—
Someone else had provided the information.
Lock's eyes narrowed.
Only one name surfaced in his mind.
Princess Lana.
The one person in the Royal Capital who both:
possessed detailed knowledge of Eight Fingers, and
had indirect ties to Nazarick.
"Hmph… so that's your move."
Lock leaned back slightly, lips curling into a cold smile.
"Very well. I'll see what kind of performance you're preparing."
A Small Western-Style House — Royal Capital
The atmosphere inside the room was suffocating.
Tierra—now dressed in a maid outfit—stood trembling, her body unconsciously leaning toward the only presence that made her feel safe.
Sebas Tian.
The white-haired butler stood straight and dignified, his calm demeanor the sole anchor for the frightened human girl.
Across from them sat figures that could only be described as nightmares.
A skeletal overlord clad in black robes occupied the sofa—an undead monarch radiating death itself.
Beside him sat an elegant man wearing a refined suit, smiling gently. A metal tail swayed behind him, betraying his demonic nature.
Nearby loomed a towering four-armed insectoid.
And standing silently, a vampire girl in a refined Western dress observed everything with crimson eyes.
All the Guardians of the Great Tomb were present—save for Gargantua, who remained bound to the Fourth Floor, and Albedo, who guarded Nazarick itself.
"Demiurge," the skeletal overlord spoke."How goes the operation?"
Ainz Ooal Gown had arrived moments earlier via teleportation, summoned urgently. He was still unaware of the full extent of the Guardians' actions.
Demiurge, holding the small, malformed creature known as Victim, bowed respectfully.
"Lord Ainz. Your subordinate has successfully seized control of the Royal Capital's underground organization, Eight Fingers, from Lock Kote Albert."
He adjusted his glasses, smile widening.
"We have also secured a vast quantity of wealth to fund Nazarick's external operations."
The crimson lights within Ainz's eye sockets flared brightly.
Excellent.
That meant no more exhausting Adventurer work just to maintain operational expenses.
"Well done, Demiurge."
"You honor me with your praise."
After a brief pause, Ainz asked the question that truly mattered.
"And the original targets?"
Demiurge nodded.
"Per your directive, we have refrained from direct action. Discretion remains paramount, especially considering the unknown enemy capable of mind-controlling Shalltear."
Lock's current location—deep within the Royal Capital—made an immediate strike inadvisable.
"However," Demiurge continued smoothly,A perfect opportunity will present itself soon."
Ainz tilted his skull slightly.
"Explain."
Demiurge's smile sharpened.
"Lock has forced the King into a wager. In three days, a Royal Tournament will be held—individual combat, squad combat, and finally, a legion battle."
"The final match will require a vast venue. I have already arranged for it to be held near the forest outskirts."
Ainz nodded slowly… then frowned.
"But that area will still be crowded. How do you intend to conceal our actions?"
Demiurge answered without hesitation.
"In this world, monster attacks are commonplace. Aura will drive forest creatures toward the area after the tournament concludes—once both sides are exhausted."
"High-ranking individuals will evacuate. Confusion will spread."
He clasped his hands.
"We seize one target. The other will come willingly."
Ainz considered it.
Forest terrain. Controlled chaos. Minimal exposure.
"Yes… that will do."
"Proceed."
"Yes, Lord Ainz."
Morning — Royal Capital Training Tower
Sunlight warmed Lock's face as he lay on a rocking chair.
He stirred.
A blanket covered him.
"…Ah."
He remembered now—insomnia had claimed him last night. He'd been reading a tome on mental magic… then lost consciousness without realizing it.
He didn't need to ask who had covered him.
A gentle knock followed.
"Good morning, Master."
Vier entered, pushing a small cart of toiletries.
"Morning."
After tidying up, Lock asked casually,"What's today's schedule?"
Vier adjusted his collar as she answered.
"Princess Lana wishes to meet you regarding the Royal Tournament."
Lock's eyes sharpened instantly.
As expected.
"Anything else?"
"Blue Rose met with the Princess last night. They appear to be planning something."
Lock smiled faintly.
"Interesting. After I meet the Princess… I'll go observe."
Golden Princess's Bedchamber
A calm morning tea.
Floral fragrance filled the room.
Lakyus—dressed in blue—slowly sipped her tea, tension easing from her expression.
"This tea is wonderful," she said softly."Is it the work of a new maid?"
She glanced at the young woman standing beside Lana—noticeably nervous.
Beside her stood a white-haired butler.
Both were unfamiliar.
Lakyus frowned slightly.
When did these two arrive…?
And why—
Why did the butler's presence feel so heavy?
---
A/N: Advance Chapter Has Been Uploaded. Please Check It Out. It will really help me out and will keep me motivated to continue.
Support: patreon.com/Narrator_San