Magic Caster of Destroy

Ainz Ooal Gown should have understood this precept. Knowing this, what was the motive behind sending a pair of easily underestimated dark elves?

Jircniv racked his brains as he pondered the mystery.

From what I can gather... it must be a show of force. He’s juxtapositioning a scene of harmlessmeekness with overwhelming destructive power. The stark contrast between first and secondimpressions is meant to maximize the psychological impact on me... but if that was the case,wouldn't riding in on dragonback ruin the effect? The dragon's formidable presence would overruletheir benign appearance... or is it that these two are the only ones suitable as emissaries? Or wasthere another— damn. I can't read their intentions. I have too little information.

He had several theories, but they vanished like foam on the waves.

My first priority should be gathering information on the opposition. Without this foundation to workon, nothing can be done. Then, I must confirm my opponents' intentions and desires, in a way thatdoesn't upset them. It would be a fool who allowed negotiations to break down because he angeredthe other party.

It was important to clarify Jircniv's aims here.

The two dark elves had said “The Emperor sent invaders to the Great Tomb of Nazarick”, and in an instant they had killed over a hundred people in the middle of court. But was this an actual state-sanctioned response, or were they just looking to pick a fight? Jircniv had to find out at least that much.

The invaders in question would certainly be the workers. If that was the case, the one giving them orders would definitely be Jircniv. However, there had been several degrees of separation from him; Jircniv's name should not even have been mentioned in the same breath as these people.

These people —Ainz Ooal Gown— how had they seen through his schemes? A different tack would have to be taken with them.

Since they came as emissaries, there should be a chance to glean some information from them. Eventhe slightest action might shed some light on their plans.

Behind the two of them was a foe who could boldly challenge a nation and conquer it with might and terror. Even a tiny mistake here could spell death for him.

A second earthquake would be the end of things here.

Jircniv turned his attention to the neighboring room.

It should have been filled with royal guards, and dozens of knights awaiting his orders. But today, he hadn't bothered. That was because even if he had put fifty royal guards in there, they could do nothing but die if they tried to fight against these two. Thus, there were only five guards in attendance for this meeting.

One of the Empire's Four Knights, "Lightning" Baziwood Peshmel. Jircniv’s most trusted advisor, Fluder Paradyne. There were also three trusted scribes.

He had also given orders for the royal guards to dig up the cracks in the courtyard for the corpses within. Though it seemed futile, he had ordered it anyway.

The Empire did not have anyone who could use resurrection spells. Even the adamantite ranked adventurers of the Empire did not have such power. Of the neighboring countries, perhaps only the Kingdom of Re-Estize and the Slane Theocracy could command such magic.

Even so, he still wanted to recover the bodies, because it was a waste to let the enchanted gear be lost with their owners. Also, recovering the bodies and laying them to rest would preserve morale and grant closure to the troops.

“Honored emissaries, you have travelled far and wide to grace us with your presence. Surely you must be thirsty? We have prepared some simple refreshments for you. We hope you will try some, if it pleases you to do so.”

Jircniv rang a chime, and the maidservants waiting outside quietly entered the room. There were over twenty maids, with covered silver trays.

After their arduous training, these maids moved with practiced, graceful ease.