Kingdom.
The night sky glittered like scattered jewels. Soft moonlight spilled down, draping the world in a mysterious veil.
Passing through the magnificent palace halls, one arrives at an elegant chamber, the residence of the Golden Princess.
At the edge of the balcony, a young girl stood bathed in moonlight.
Looking up at the brilliant stars, Renner showed not the slightest hint of admiration.
"To enter a young lady's bedroom uninvited in the dead of night... that's hardly something an Adamantite Adventurer should be doing."
"Still, it wasn't easy. You've finally agreed to meet me. Though it would've been better during the day."
"What do you think, Naohara-san?"
Renner turned around and murmured to herself.
Inside the dimly lit room, a figure sat on the sofa, leisurely eating fruit from the table.
It was Naohara, who had just arrived from E-Rantel.
"Like you said last time, if I feel like it I can come anytime. No need to be so formal. So I don't see any problem."
Naohara casually replied to Renner's remark.
"You really do whatever you please~"
Renner shook her head lightly, offering a quiet complaint.
She took a set of precious teaware from the cabinet and gracefully brewed two cups of black tea.
"May I ask what brings you here so suddenly this time?"
Renner asked about Naohara's purpose.
Although she had been the one to extend the invitation, Renner didn't believe he had come to assist the Kingdom.
Ever since Naohara and the others left without saying goodbye last time, Renner had been thinking about the reason behind it.
When she considered the Demon Gods encountered by Blue Roses, along with Evileye's unusual behavior, a vague suspicion had begun to form in her mind.
Despite the countless thoughts running through her head, Renner maintained a warm and gentle expression on the surface.
"Renner, you're a smart person. So smart that even I can't help but admire you."
Naohara spoke slowly as he looked at the gentle smile on Renner's face.
It had to be said, the Golden Princess was truly impressive. She appeared harmless, yet everything was quietly moving under her control.
The Kingdom of Re-Estize currently had two princes, the First Prince and the Second Prince. Both were strong contenders for the throne.
Most of the nobles supported the First Prince, while a smaller portion backed the Second Prince. Princess Renner, meanwhile, had aligned herself with the Second Prince's faction.
Using the authority of the royal family, Renner directly abolished slavery, earning the overwhelming support of the common people.
Although this greatly displeased the nobles and the First Prince, they were powerless against such a tide of public opinion.
Only those who have once possessed freedom truly understand how precious it is.
If the First Prince and the nobles insisted on opposing it, they would immediately lose the people's support and become targets of public outrage.
It was a perfect plan that killed two birds with one stone. It gained her reputation while also weakening the First Prince's power.
The most cunning part was that Renner did not have the Second Prince carry out the plan. Instead, she placed herself at the center of it.
As a princess, she had no possibility of inheriting the throne. No matter how high her reputation rose, she could never contend for the position of king.
Because of this, the nobles might resent her, but they would not dare take action against her.
After all, she was only a princess. Combined with Renner's close relationship with Blue Roses, most nobles would not dare act rashly.
There was no reason for the nobles to stir up major conflict over a woman and risk bringing trouble upon themselves.
Naohara understood every one of the Golden Princess's calculations.
He also understood her helplessness.
Just a hollow promise from the Second Prince was enough to make Renner devote herself to him so wholeheartedly.
In the end, the essence of the world still came down to power.
Renner possessed wisdom comparable to Demiurge, yet she lacked his overwhelming strength.
As a princess, Renner could only rely on the Second Prince, doing everything she could to seize control of her own fate.
Naohara had never considered himself a genius. In his own view, he could not compare to Renner.
Although he appeared to possess foresight and often offered unusual insights,
in truth, it was simply because he had knowledge of the original story's plot and was looking at events from a unique vantage point.
"Thank you for the compliment~"
Looking at Naohara's deep, penetrating gaze, Renner suddenly felt as if all her little secrets had been seen through. An unnatural smile crept onto her face without her realizing it.
"So... my friend, would you like to make a deal with me?"
Seeing Renner's expression, Naohara paused for a moment. Then he stopped pretending and revealed a fierce grin.
Naohara had to admit that if there were anyone in this world truly suited to governing a nation, it would undoubtedly be Princess Renner.
This princess, whose intellect rivaled Demiurge's, would make the most perfect tool.
"Is that so? I am certainly curious what someone like you could possibly offer to win me over..."
"But before that, shouldn't you reveal your true identity first? That would at least show some sincerity."
At the mention of a deal, interest flickered in Renner's eyes, and the unhealthy smile on her face deepened.
"Of course. But before that, I have a question. When exactly did you start suspecting our identities?"
Naohara was not surprised that Renner had doubts about them. After all, they had never truly intended to hide it.
Just the change in Momonga and Herohero's demeanor during the assault on Eight Fingers was already enough for someone like her to notice something was wrong.
"If you ask when... it would be from the very first time we met."
Renner was not lying. From that first meeting, she had already begun to suspect the identities of Naohara and the others.
With a few small schemes of her own in mind, Renner had enthusiastically befriended the adventurer team known as Ainz Ooal Gown.
The idea of having them fight against Blue Roses and recording the battle was also Renner's plan.
That way, she could test their strength further and perhaps obtain some unexpected information.
Otherwise, with her status as a princess, there would have been no need to go to such lengths. Simply guaranteeing their promotion to Adamantite Adventurers would have been effortless.
"I see. Truly sharp observation."
Naohara clapped his hands lightly, unable to hide his admiration.
"You flatter me."
Renner lifted the hem of her dress and performed a graceful curtsy. If not for the strange smile lingering on her face, the scene might have looked perfectly elegant.
"Now then, regarding my true identity..."
Naohara slowly stood up. Under Renner's gaze, his body gradually began to change.
Pitch-black scales spread across his body as his human features faded and draconic traits emerged.
A massive shadow filled the room, and a deep voice echoed.
The complete form of a Dragonoid, with the dragon as the dominant form.
"Well now... this is quite something."
Facing the ferocious Dragonoid before her, Renner maintained her calm appearance. However, her blue eyes churned like a stormy lake, waves constantly rising within them.
"My name is Naohara Kamiotoshi, one of the Supreme Beings of Nazarick, one of the founders of the Sorcerer Kingdom, and the future king who will rule over countless dragonkind."
"Renner, I grant you eternal life and the chance to remain with Climb forever. In exchange, you will serve us for all eternity."
"An offer that is impossible to refuse. Then the deal is made."
"Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself humbly greets the great Supreme Being!"
Renner had still been thinking things through, but the moment she heard the reward, her eyes lit up.
At the same time, it confirmed the suspicion she had held for a long time. The Demon Gods that Blue Roses mentioned were undoubtedly connected to him.
Lakyus and the others really were unlucky. Still, since they survived the encounter, they were probably safe for the time being.
This Supreme Being seemed far more humane than she had imagined.
After a brief moment of thought, Renner spoke again.
"So then, what does Naohara-sama require me to do?"
"Assist the Empire in taking over the Kingdom as soon as possible."
"Once the war between the Empire and the Kingdom ends, the Bloody Emperor will take you to the Sorcerer Kingdom. You will become the new Prime Minister of the Sorcerer Kingdom."
Naohara answered without hesitation.
He could not wait for Renner to arrive in the Sorcerer Kingdom and start cleaning up the mess that had been giving Momonga so many headaches.
"The Empire, is it? I understand~"
A hint of realization flashed in Renner's eyes. She did not ask further questions, having already pieced together the overall situation.
"Then the deal is complete. Now for a personal matter."
"As for Evileye, although it was intentional, you did help me. To be honest, I quite like that little vampire."
"So, as a reward for being the [Matchmaker]..."
Naohara extended his palm, and ten golden blood beads appeared, glowing faintly.
Seeing Renner's puzzled expression, Naohara willed one of the beads to float toward her head.
"This is a gift I am giving you personally."
***
...
If you'd like to support my work and unlock advanced chapters, you can follow me on p-@-treon.
[email protected]/PinkSnake (50 Chapters Ahead).
You can also follow as a free member to read a few advanced chapters.
***