Golden Dance Festival of the Fallen

Golden Dance Festival of the Fallen (堕ちた黄金の舞踏祭) is a game event in Mass for the Dead that was released on March 1, 2023 to March 15, 2023.

Background
Renner fulfills her long-cherished desire to join Nazarick. The reward for her resourcefulness, which she showed, was her rare seed of transformation, and a feast of hospitality. Together with the festival of revival in E-Rantel, which is held at the same time, two banquets that do not overlap celebrate each departures.

Incident
At a certain place under the control of the Sorcerer Kingdom, Princess Renner looks calmly at the sleeping figure of her resurrected loyal retainer in bed. The princess contemplates to herself aloud of what kind of dream her bodyguard is having, whether it is a good dream or a nightmare? Regardless she is really looking forward to when he wakes up, and the surprise in his face of his new surroundings and her position.

Renner remarks there was no distinction between the strong and the weak, when the "Calamity of Cracks" occurred, that everyone was cut down one after another by invisible attackers. To her it was frightening and was glad Climb wasn’t involved in that.

To her unconscious Warrior she tells him some good news, that the protagonist miraculously survived to her surprise and relief. It was quite amusing to her, as initially the hero was reported missing and assisted Nazarick in proposing some of the measures for the restoration of E-Rantel on behalf of the protagonist. Her benefactors apparently were in need of someone with good ideas like their beloved protagonist, which Renner was able to temporarily substitute for awhile.

Although it was short-lived, she was glad that she was able to fulfill that role safely and help. Just as she is telling Climb she eagerly waits for him to wake soon, Pestonya enters the room with a meal. The princess thanks the Head Maid for services, especially for so far from Nazarick. Pestonya states that it is part of her duties to check on the hostages regularly. For Climb she inquires his condition, who Renner assures is already sound and healthy, owing it to Pestonya for reviving her young man, which the maid acknowledges her gratitude.

The Head Maid still has concern for the human boy as he is an outsider. Following Renner’s suggestion the maid put Climb to sleep, considering the possibility of harming or escaping the general maids in charge of taking care of him. To avoid such events, Pestonya asks that the princess train him well. Renner promises to make her servant into a loyal retainer of the Sorcerer Kingdom.

Pestonya politely suggests Renner eat her eat before it gets cold and informs her that Albedo will show up later. After Renner thanks the Head Maid and the general maids for their generosity. Pestonya, before leaving, comments that she hopes the princess will "change" soon.

Once the Head Maid leaves, Renner affirms that she will change, adding that her love for Climb is the only thing that will never change forever, and asks that he continues to dream and be nice for her.

In the Great Forest of Tob, Hamsuke, Kyuko and the Death Knight assemble before Aura to give her their report on the status of the forest. Kyuko provides that the forests hasn't changed in any particular way, with Hamsuke and the Death Knighg adding that any new Chaos Beast that come out of the Cracks are immediately exterminated.

Aura is glad to hear that, as after the "disaster" that happened in E-Rantel, she wanted to do some research on the Tob Forest to see if it had any effect. So far the good news is that no new Cracks have formed. Hamsuke having heard for the trouble in E-Rantel because of the cracks is also glad to hear that the protagonist has returned safely.

Kyuko feels rather felt proud when she heard that the homunculus had taken advantage of that adversity to show the majesty of the Sorcerer Kingdom. The fox girl is of course talking about his idea of using undead to guard the Cracks in the fortress city. However Kyuko wonders if this is safe. Aura states that it is fine as the undead are tireless and and be efficiently used for cheap labor. And while the fear and ill feelings toward the undead will still remain, but the people in the city will get used to the convenience.

Kyuko is amazed by this, though one thing puzzles her, in that the undead corps was instituted before the protagonist returned. Aura confesses that the plan was not totally the protagonist's, hence right now they are making preparations to reward the one responsible.

The dark elf announces that they are going to Carne Village. This brings a question from Hamsuke as to purpose would the village hold for their next task. Aura answers that for the time being, they will be "cleaning" it in accordance to a celebration in the past. The group then accompanied her to the frontier village, that had long since been abandoned by the villagers due to the Chaos Beasts.

To Kyuko the place is nostalgic. In the past, everyone in Nazarick held festivals and such at the spot. The Death Knight soon alerts the group of Contaminated Beasts lurking in the shadows of the ruined buildings, along with some Chaos Beasts.

Kyuko finds it incomprehensible that there are Chaos Beasts mixed in with polluted beasts, and a bit disappointed in herself as she was sure she slaughtered all the those who went escaped out of the Great Forest of Tob. Her superior Aura though thinks the monsters are from out of the area, probably having sprung up from the Cracks in E-Rantel and escape to the village. And adds that it also made a certain woman’s alibi credible.

Kyuko seeing the monsters requests permission to finish them. The dark elf states that she may, as it is precisely why she brought them to the village to quickly remove any monster hiding in the ruins.

The trio happily comply eager to please their superior, who adds that they will be helped by summons.

In the fortress city of E-Rantel. Upon receiving an urgent report, Marquis Raeven rushed to Prince Zanac’s office, having heard that Princess Renner had contacted her older brother.

To be more precise, a soldier who testified that he was accompanying Renner at one point had a letter that seems to have been written by Renner. The prince shows the marquis the letter, who upon reading accounts that the princess, along with a small number of soldiers, was hiding in the Great Tob Forest claiming. The letter claims that after Renner realized she lost Climb, she got desperate and ran out of E-Rantel.

The few soldiers who followed her were apparently some of those who disappeared in the chaos of ‘that disaster’.

Zanac questions if all of those soldiers who accompanied the heartbroken princess did so out of sheer loyalty. But thinks it's just a coincidence that they've been able to live in such a forest for the past few months and have been safe in so many ways. Raeven speculates that they probably were protected by the Wise King of the Forest from the marauding Chaos Beasts, though the noble heard rumors that the Wise King was currently under the control of the Sorcerer Kingdom. In the letter it explains that why the letter was delay as the magical creature is claimed to have protected Renner's group, but also seems to have refrained from reporting the entourage's presence to its masters, out of respect for Renner. Hence why the Sorcerer Kingdom did not inform the crown prince as Renner's location is unknown even to them.

Marquis Raeven is perplexed as to why the Wise King neglected its duties to its nation, and even though the prince can't speak for the creature's position in the Sorcerer Kingdom. But from what the letter says, Renner did not initiate contact with her brother sooner to tell her that she was safe so as to avoid the Wise King from being punished. But given that they received a message now months later, Raeven deduces that the situation has changed. On the last page of t he missive, the princess noticed that some people who fled E-Rantel after it was attacked have settled down in Carne Village, adjacent to the Great Forest of Tob. There are Contaminated Beasts infesting the area, so Renner would like to protect them. However since the village lies outside the territory of the Wise King of the Forest, there is a shortage of people that it can send to assist as the Wise King is busy containing a Crack and its spawn in the forest and thus cannot leave its post.

Since Renner came to Zanac, as an older brother he decides to fulfill her request for future cooperation in the government. Although the marquis raises the authenticity of the letter. The prince does not have a confirmation yet, but the soldier who delivered it, testified that it was from Renner and the handwriting it of his younger sister, minus the sealing wax which is expected since she probably did not bring any due to being in hiding. Still the noble wishes to ask more details from the person. That is impossible as the man died from his wounds from a Contaminated Beast shortly after leaving Carne Village.

At the very least the man must have accompanied his sister out of sincerity to the extent that he was willing to be seriously injured to fulfill his role as a messenger. Thus Zanac believed that they should at least reward the man for his efforts by answering the call for aid. Marquis Raeven agrees that they will send a team of rescuers from their kingdom. Due to the small pool that they have, the noble advised the prince to speak to the Warrior Captain Gazef Stronoff to assist by allocating some of his warriors to the mission.

The prince will make it so, and admires that his sister after losing Climb still has energy to act with conscience to protect the people. To himself he deduces that her distorted affection for Climb may have been redirected to the people, and while the though scares him its still beneficial for the kingdom in the future. The marquis hopes to have Renner back as she can help relieve them of some of their burdens in running the kingdom. Zanac is in concurrence, as they are under more serious threat now. Even though his father, King Ramposa III and Gazef Stronoff are back in the fold, the nation's influence within the Tripartite Alliance is relatively weak and sincerely hopes that Renner may have the answers to their plight. In response to the prince's request, a group of elite soldiers from the Re-Estize Kingdom hastened to Carne Village, all having high morale and seeking the honor of rescuing the princess.

Meanwhile in Renner's chambers, the princess is holding a talk with Overseer Guardian Albedo, who is following the human's suggestion is setting Carne Village as the setting for their plot. By now Albedo believes that the mind-controlled soldier they sent out to deliver the message to Prince Zanac has reached him. For the roles of the survivors in the village, Albedo chose people with no relatives from humans she secured during Jaldabaoth's invasion. Thus there will be no danger of being exposed from their kin.

The princess apologizes to Albedo for the trouble she went into making preparations for this plan. Albedo says it is okay exemplifying the girl's usefulness during the protagonist's absence hence why the other Floor Guardians do not take Renner's words lightly. Nonetheless, in welcoming new vassals into Nazarick, there will be buds of conflict that should be crushed. For this as Overseer Guardian, Albedo has arranged everything so that everyone can understand it properly. Albedo though expects Renner to help her in return to which the human is eager to be given the opportunity to demonstrate her loyalty to the people or Nazarick.

Albedo then states to Renner that they will be able to cover enough for the soldiers and refugees in Carne Village. She then hands Renner a small bottle, to which Renner promises to use it carefully. This pleases Albedo who reminds the girl that not only she is watching Renner but Momonga as well. Since Albedo has put tremendous effort in being Renner's patron, any error on the princess's end will ruin her image. The veiled threat hangs as Albedo then smiles, leaving Renner to take care of the rest for the plan.

At the Round Table Room, whilst Renner and Albedo end their meeting, Momonga and his Floor Guardians watch from afar using the Mirror of Remote Viewing. Momonga observes that Albedo and the others are now heading to Carne Village and that Shadow Demons will monitor the situation with Renner progresses. The Floor Guardians Shalltear Bloodfallen and Cocytus are the ones who insisted on being kept in the loop on Renner's actions since she was welcomed into Nazarick.

Momonga then turns to Demiurge to inquire about Renner's proposal to capture the inhabitants of E-Rantel to use in the current plan, which was done some time after Demiurge attacked the fortress city as Jaldanaoth. The people were secured in the midst of the chaos when [Flames of Gehenna] was activated. During which the princess gave Nazarick permission to preemptively kill Climb lest an unseen attacker wipe Climb out. The forces of Nazarick then acquired his corpse and brought it back for revival. And while the decision was rash, Demiurge finds it admirable that Renner was willing to go this far to protect her beloved. Cocytus still questions the human's resolve to serve Momonga. Demiurge believes she is committed as she promised to try to reduce the remaining military strength of the Re-Estize Kingdom and that Cocytus should stop worrying his successor.

Additionally another item for the meeting is brought up, he received a request yesterday from the protagonist to hold a feast in E-Rantel. It seems that E-Rantel's physical recovery is going well, but the mental care for the remaining humans is difficult, so the homunculus believes that hosting a feast might do some good which Momonga agrees and gave his blessing. In truth Momonga believes that the protagonist could really use the feast given past developments and also suspects his servant's current efforts are to atone himself. Momonga hopes the protagonist will not blame himself too much, but knows it's going to be difficult.

In E-Rantel, the city is alive with an ensemble of bustle and work with people preparing for the upcoming feast. In the center, Jugem is seen directing several skeletons to load material to another location. The protagonist stands with Surako, Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix and Saint Clementine as they view the progress. Clementine reports that the street repairs and land readjustments are progressing faster than expected, allowing vendors to be open their wares more easily. The emperor praises this to be all thanks to the protagonist who provided the undead labor for the heavy lifting and offers to contribute imperial soldiers to the venue for the event's security.

The protagonist accepts, though states that the purpose of the feast is to demonstrate the safety of using undead by the Sorcerer Kingdom. While the fear of the undead cannot go overnight, the protagonist believes that the soldiers at the event will wipe away all unnecessary fear. The emperor is more than willing to help, even ordering his knights to hug the undead to make it the point that the undead are harmless, if it means to please the protagonist. Surako is worried that might be taking things a bit too far as is the protagonist who prefers not to shock the residents of the city.

Acceding that he is correct, the emperor apologizes as he only wanted to show proper respect, He goes on to say what a person the protagonist is putting the concern for the people first, extrapolating that this very feast not only aims to raise the spirit of the city's reconstruction but repair the hearts of the people. This is indeed correct by the protagonist, commenting that the reconstruction went faster due to commendable actions of the residents who took the initiative in saving supplies, following their experiences in past emergencies. Clementine adds that the situation though was causing a decline in health and labor. She wanted to address it when the protagonist suggested the idea of the feast.

The protagonist who has been silent on these praises to him, is broken out of his remunerations by Clementine. He then stated that when residents are frightened with uncertainty of the future, and hoarding supplies, rather than force them to hand it over it would be best to give them something to strive together and celebrate. The event which will lead to everyone purging out their anxiety. Plus as Surako adds, even if the skeletons are just temporary then the city's self-sufficiency will still be on a marked upward trend, meaning its an investment for the future.

The protagonist reaffirms his promise to make the future for E-Rantel rich and feed the spirits of the people, thanking both saint and emperor for the cooperation. The emperor inspired by such words, believes that they are worthy of a ruler, adding that the heroic deeds and dedication of the protagonist have spread across the Empire. Jircniv swears that he will do his best to ensure to tell historians that he was a good friend to him and asks the protagonist to not be shy when to call for aid.

Thanks is given to the emperor, but by now the protagonist is getting tired of the high evaluation of himself, which he notices that Clementine is also getting weary of it. Not only that he is annoyed about the emperor doing things behind his back without his consent. While such things would normally make him proud and attribute it to his creators, the homunculus though only feels it as empty words.

After that the protagonist and Slimeko continued to check the preparations for the festival with Clementine. Their last inspection is at the fourth wall of the city. Surako is glad to see that the farmlands had little damage from the disaster. The protagonist enjoys the calm scenery as it is one of the few places in E-Rantel where the Calamity has not touched. Still he laments that while they can repair a building, they have no way to fill it again with people and why he wants to bring up morale for the people.

Clementine sensing his distress ensure that it was the fault of the invisible attackers who stole those lives that were taken that day. Many of those that survived that dreadful disaster desire to quietly mourn the death of their loved ones. And while Clementine does not want to take the people lightly, she has been watching the situation every day and that the bright atmosphere of the feast will help.

This assures the protagonist, who then apologizes to the saint if he was trying to hasten things. Clementine understands, but is still worried about the protagonist as he now seems to be pushing himself more to work harder and asks if he is getting enough rest. The woman offers to help but the homunculus politely declines as he puts being his duties as Territory Guardian first, promising to make E-Rantel better than before. The protagonist is under immense pressure on himself to be redeemed in Momonga so that he can be trusted again and decides to handle his emotional baggage himself.

On the road to Carne Village, the elites of the Re-Estize Kingdom slaughter a pack of Contaminated Beasts, full of determination to reach the settlement.

Around the time since the elites of the Kingdom departed at the orders of the marquis, day had already changed to night. The soldiers curse themselves as they hoped to reach the village before dusk. They reach the village where they see a wolf-type Chaos Beast. This shocks them as they were told that Contaminated Beasts were only plaguing the area. It soon spots the soldiers and charges at them. The soldiers gets into formation and prepare to battle it, but before it reaches them, it is swiftly killed in a single blow by something.

To their confusion the men see a massive hamster. They are left stunned by its appearance and more so when it speaks. It is Hamsuke who asks them if they are all right and introduces herself as the Wise King of the Forest and that they must be the people Renner was expecting. The soldiers introduce themselves as the Kingdom's Salvation Soldiers assigned to answer Renner's request for aid. Hamsuke acknowledges them to be who they are they are and answers their question such as why Chaos Beasts are in the village. On this the Wise King explains that these monsters came from outside the area which caused the soldiers accompanying the princess to the village to be slaughtered.

Hamsuke then takes the soldiers to a residence where the princess is using as a base of operations. There the soldiers are greeted by a sight of a group of bedraggled peasants, many of them tired, armed and injured. The group is relieved to see the soldiers. The soldiers ask to see the princess as there are people who eagerly await her return, her brother understanding her being heartbroken with Climb's death. Renner makes her appears, greeting the soldiers though declines to return with them, claiming after spending time with the refugees she has found something to do and decided to leave politics of the Kingdom. Given that the Wise King is having trouble protecting the village due to the many monster attacks, she invites the warriors to rest and assist the creature. Though the soldiers try to refuse, they are bought by the villagers friendliness and hospitality. Renner then allows the soldiers and refugees to dine in a room filled with food prepared by herself.

Some time after the soldiers were welcomed into the village, Renner is seen meeting up with Hamsuke and Aura. Hamsuke reports that she has arranged all the corpses according to her instructions. Aura had looked over her subordinate's work and is pleased as the number of corpses matches with the same numbers as the ones who came into the residence. The group are planning a staged scene where the refugees and soldiers have been killed by Contaminated Beasts. Renner in on the plans admires the skillful plot. Aura though wanted to have the Contaminated Beasts devour all the evidence, but is sufficed when she has Hamsuke bite into some of the corpses to give them the impression that the corpses were ravaged by said monsters.

Aura is still fuzzy on some details on the plot as it was Albedo who was more knowledgeable on the plan. The dark elf only recently replaced the Overseer Guardian in chaperoning Renner, but knows enough to trust her superior and deduces enough of the plan to guess that Solution Epsilon played a part by spiking the soup Renner gave to the refugees and soldiers with poison. It is confirmed by Renner who replies that it is a slow-acting poison that will vanish even after death of the victim.

The dark elf asks what will be the next step after they lure Contaminated Beasts into the village? This reminds the princess that she must prepare herself accordingly, which she does by severing a hand from a corpse and covering her clothes in blood. Aura and Hamsuke are left stunned at her lack of hesitation. Renner explains she will proceed to fake her death by removing her clothes and placing them in the house where it was "attacked" and leaving her crown next to them. To make it more convincing, Renner is even willing to leave one of her arms behind, but reconsiders the idea again as her friend Lakyus might use the limb to try and revive her. Aura is left impressed on the details the human put in conceiving this fake death and agrees to plant a Contaminated Beast in Renner's room in the village. Renner basking in the praise states she only wishes to show her loyalty and skill.

Back at the Round Table Room, Momonga is informed that the camouflage work is progressing thanks to the dignified abilities of the princess which Momonga expecting nothing less from royalty. Demiurge is delighted that their plan went without a hitch as they managed to draw a few precious elites from the Kingdom. Even Shalltear and Cocytus cannot help but praise the human's skill in manipulating her fellows through just her own wit. They now truly believe that the girl has every intent to give up her country and status for her own desire and for Nazarick.

Mare hopes that the human is wise enough to know that obedience to Momonga is sacrosanct and is seconded by Albedo. Happy to see everyone in agreement, Momonga announces his plan to give Renner the Fallen Seed and welcome her into their ranks as promised. This causes Demiurge to be excited as he is looking forward to seeing the item being used on a human of this world so he can collect data. Mare though has some misgivings about the party that was sent for Princess Renner, concerned that another will be sent and that it could be troublesome for them to get too close to the Great Forest of Tob.

Shalltear also shares the concern as the rescue parties in the area might become reoccurring. Albedo calms them down, stating Renner has prepared a strategy for this to prevent this. She terms their attention to the video recordings that were made of Aura and Hamsuke doing various tasks around the village. Demiurge explains that the human already anticipated who might be sent to come for her should the first rescue team fail, hence a camouflage operation is in place just for 'that person'. Cocytus chuckles that it is fortunate they have someone who is accustomed with dealing with humans. Demiurge adds that the benefits to Nazarick of having a former human is convenient especially sense they know her weakness.

Albedo reminds them that so long as Climb is unharmed, Renner will work to her heart's content for Nazarick. Momonga replies it enough for Renner to join them and looks forward to her success. He then instructs Albedo to welcome Renner as her subordinate and to prepare a feast. When Albedo is surprised on the idea of a feast for Renner, Momonga elaborates that the protagonist is planning one in E-Rantel for the people, so it would not be a bad idea to do so in Nazarick. This causes Albedo to think that her master wants to show the newcomer the greatness and splendor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick that she will be dedicating her entire life to. Demiurge lauds the idea, believing that his master must have thought the such a celebration would make it easier for Renner to grasp the current situation of Nazarick. This also convinces him that they should make use of Renner's ingenuity in future strategy planning.

While praised by his wisdom, Momonga sighs that his one simple gesture to impress a new addition to Nazraick. was too deeply read. In fact he doesn't feel any reason to be kind to anyone he doesn't know. But since Renner is a talent that is recognized by both Albedo and Demiurge, and will lead to strengthening Nazarick, Momonga will act accordingly. Although he worries about how Renner with react to working in Nazarick, as she is an outsider and unlike the NPCs who play their roles based on what they were made for and focused on their objectives. Thinking about the ramifications make Momonga feel ill, but steels himself to behave like a ruler so as to not appear weak and opts to practice being one to appeal the goodness of the work environment at the feast.

A few days after the incident in Carne Village, an urgent and special request was made to the E-Rantel Adventurer's Guild. The contents were hidden, and a specific adventurer team receives a call and rushes to the guild. In a private room at the guild Guildmaster Ainzach, Prince Zanac and Marquis Raeven meet the adventurers, Blue Roses. Also present is the protagonist and Surako. Even though the protagonist is currently busy preparing for the feast and was not needed at the convocation, he still wished to be present claiming it to be his duty as the protector of the territory of E-Rantel. Of course it’s just an excuse to monitor who Renner’s plan pans out and to lead the pawns the right way if necessary.

Ainzach seeing that everyone appears to be ready, reiterates that this request is top secret. Lakyus speaking for her team understand and wishes to knowing if the request has anything to do with Renner.

Raeven replies that she is correct, complimenting on her guess. To Gagaran it’s more of an open secret given their clients for this request, it most undoubtedly has to do with the royal family and want to keep it from the ears of the other nobles. The muscle bound asks why they want Blue Roses on the request to which the princes elaborates that it is an urgent matter and quickly explains the letter he received from his sister in Carne Village. However contact from the search party sent to Carne village was lost after four days. Considering the distance from E-Rantel to Carne village, it's not a natural break in time. The Marquis adds that the ones they sent were the Kingdom's elite band. Even if there was a major engagement, they shouldn’t be having any issues.

Evileye surmises that the elites are most likely at Carne Village where the princess sent the letter, possibly maybe being besieged at the village. Zanac is at a loss of what is going on there as Renner said she was under the protection of the Wise King of the Forest. The prince then turns to the protagonist as he is more experience with the creature, but finds that the Territory Guardian has been distracted briefly before he quickly relates what he knows about the Wise King of the Forest to the royal. In that it is a subordinate of the Sorcerer Kingdom and is exterminating the Chaos Beasts that leak from the surrounding area. If there is any problem the beast is suppose to contact him, but thus far the adventurer has received no communication. The protagonist apologizes if he cannot be more helpful, but Zanac is grateful for what he has shared as he is sure that his sister will be able to negotiate with the Wise King and retire in secret in the Great Forest of Tob. Rather the prince apologizes for getting the Sorcerer Kingdom involved in the Re-Estize Kingdom's affairs, but the protagonist assures him that his nation will cooperate however they can.

Zanac then moves on to the request. As there is no guarantee that Renner will be in Carne Village, he still pretty sure that she may have left something there. It's highly dangerous, but even so wants Blue Roses to confirm it. For this request Ainzach estimated that it requires an adamantite rank adventurer party, hence why Blue Roses was called upon. There is no one else more suitable given that Lakyus is a close friend of the princess. Due to the seriousness of the mission, the protagonist offers to come along, but is declined by Lakyus as he needs to concentrate on preparing the feast in the city to celebrate its restoration. If Renner found out he neglected something so important Lakyus claims she would scold him. Both Tia and Tina agree with their leader, and have the protagonist sit out on this request.

Lakyus formally accepts the request and with that her teams leaves to depart to Carne Village. They are wished the best of luck by the other members in the room. The protagonist and Surako also take their leave. Once they are gone, Zanac contemplates on the letter Renner sent him and complains its annoying for her to be one step ahead, surprising Raeven. Seeing Raeven's reaction Zanac muses that he is such a bad brother to think of his sister like that.

The two members of Darkness who said their goodbyes to Blue Roses are satisfied that Renner's plan went accordingly, that the homunculus didn't even have to adjust the flow of the story. While he hopes that the plan is successful, he turns his attention to his current duties.

At the gate of E-Rantel, Lakyus readies her team to head out. The women plan to get to the village before the sun sets. Evileye is curious to know of how the search party disappeared, wondering if it was due to the Cracks near the Tob Forest or maybe something happened to the Wise King of the Forest. Tina and Tia though believe that such questions will be answered once they arrive at the village, urging everyone to hurry.

Blue Roses traveled to Carne Village by carriage, along the way kicking down any monster they saw. They reach Carne Village with some light still out, but they see rubble where the village stood. The adventurers spread out to search for survivors. They find many Contaminated Beasts in the area, which they kill on sight. They find the corpses of the elite soldiers that were sent, with evidence that they were torn apart from the fangs and claw marks. They blame it to be the work of the Contaminated Beasts. Tina and Tia report it is the same for the refugees and they deduce they are already too late.

Gagaran is still confused of how the elites of the Kingdom were beaten like this. Evileye attributes it to them being not enough to protect the refugees. Blue Roses spots a building that is untouched which the group deduces that the soldiers died protecting it. Lakyus holds out on the hope that they will find survivors there. Inside they find many traces of daily life which were described in Renner's letter. They go deeper into the house thinking that people may have taken shelter, but they encounter a contaminated bear which is then killed by the women.

The presence of the bear makes then realize that the worst has happened as they find a corner of the room, with a pool of blood and a piece of a blood-stained dress and crown. Lakyus is in despair of her friend, but Gagaran tries to keep hope alight, thinking that there is a chance the princess may have escaped. That hope is dashed away by Evileye when she discovers a bloody parchment. Lakyus taking it sees it in Renner's handwriting and it is a suicide note.

At the ruined Lemegeton, Momonga flanked by Demiurge and Albedo formally welcomes a bowing Renner to Nazarick. Renner is revealed to have used the Fallen Seed and suffered no issues in her change. With that Momonga permits her to raise her face to face him. Renner rises as a new heteromorph being of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.

Momonga getting a good look at the former human princess expresses interest that Renner was able to change. Albedo asks how Renner is doing, which Renner now sporting two small black wings on her back, replies that she feels refreshed. The former princess of the are-Estize Kingdom is complimented by Albedo as she is now a demon, an imp to be precise and gifted with eternal life. The last benefit really makes Renner happy as she can now spend serving them eternity. Renner comments her body being stronger that her human form and asks permission to test it out.

The request catches Momonga by surprise. Renner reasoning to do so is to enable her to get physically acclimated to her new body. Demiurge believes that to be excellent as they had been planning on a similar test for Renner.

Besides to the Floor Guardian of the 7th Floor, this is a prime opportunity for him to collect data on a unique subject and requests permission from Momonga to expedite the experiment. Momonga allows this, though asks that they avoid a situation of accidentally killing Renner. To this end Albedo volunteers to be Renner's opponent, for which Momonga finds acceptable. The group then go for the Test of Strength challenge, and the rest of the Floor Guardians to head to the appropriate location. Aura then leads the group to the Amphitheater.

Momonga and Demiurge stay in the back of the group to talk, with Momonga finding it a strange occurrence in granting a human's wish to become a heteromorph. To him it's amusing that friends can be made this way, commenting that the Floor Guardians are probably better at it than he is. Demiurge consoles his master that the circumstances with Renner were different, as she was beyond human when he met her, and more was compared to a demon already in personality and intellect. Regardless the demon too finds Renner to be a fascinating being, but he too is concerned about the new demon's loyalty but at least those fears have been put aside now that Climb is a hostage. His thoughts then turn to the protagonist, adding that he heard the homunculus is having a hard time moving forward with his current work in E-Rantel, suggesting that they should relegate Renner to strategy planning in the future.

Momonga looks forward to it and is happy to receive a new talented individual in his ranks. But he is likewise worried about Renner's loyalty as the NPCs' fealty is absolute and do everything he says without question, As for Renner it remains to be seen as she is a newcomer. It is his hope that Renner can get along with the others, and see past her human origins, like Albedo and Demiurge.

At the Amphitheater, Renner admires the majestic construction as Albedo explains it is a site where events are hosted in Nazarick. The two women they prepare for a mock combat duel before Momonga and the other Floor Guardians to display Renner's imp abilities. To Renner not only will the battle serve as a test to estimate Renner's physical strength, but deduces that the battle also serves to show the girl the difference in power between her and one of the Floor Guardians to highlight the dangers of betraying Momonga. And to check if her racial change gave her any new abilities that might make her a threay.

She anticipated this and thus is the reason why she gave Climb as a hostage to show her weakness, but guesses Albedo and the rest have already understood her intentions. Thus aims to build a life comfortably with Climb in Nazarick by showing her value. In Albedos' thoughts, she expects that Renner would want another reward, and has deduced Renner's plans of allowing Climb as a hostage and believes Momonga has also figured out the girl through his genius intellect. While Albedo thinks of nothing but pleasing Momonga in this duel, the only thing Momonga is thinking about is wishing Albedo to avoid killing Renner and ruin her chances of making friends with the other Floor Guardians. Cocytus acts as referee as Albedo takes out 3F to fight the former human.

After the duel ends, the girl's performance is just above that of a human, but regardless Albedo commends Renner, causing Momonga to compliment Albedo's fair behavior as a superior. The other Floor Guardians then begin to mingle with Renner to add their views of her fighting skills. Once the praises are done, Albedo motions to proceed to the feast without delay now that tension between the groups is gone. Renner meanwhile smiles to herself, promoting Aura and Mare to ask why she seems happy. She divulges that she is thinking about the suicide note she left for Blue Roses and wonders if the adventurers will "appreciate" it.

In the morning, at the Adventurer's Guild in E-Rantel, a gloomy atmosphere is in a room where Blue Roses report to their clients, Marquis Raeven and Prince Zanac, along with the protagonist, Surako and Guildmaster Ainzach. They show them the blood-soaked letter which Zanac examines and works out that Renner may have scribbled it down after she knew death was approaching. The contents of the note include Renner's lasts thoughts such as Zanac to not blame the Wise King of the Forest, or the Sorcerer Kingdom and to not let the nobles know the details of the incident. Zanac is left saddened as his sister's last words were worry for the politics of the nation to the very end. In the note it ends that Renner's last wish was to be reunited with Climb, which amazes her brother that she had this side of humanity. The prince is devasted by his loss, and is not sure how to break this to his father. Even the marquis is worried as the king has not gotten over the death of his eldest son, which causes Zanac to conclude that Renner's death will be kept out.

The decision startles Lakyus, but the prince reasons it is for the best as E-Rantel is now already going through many sorrows. The new of the princess's death would only bring down the spirits of the inhabitants as she was a popular figure among the common folk. He maintains that Lakyus will remain as missing and that the search is being called of. For the burial there will be none and so asks that they mourn the princess in their hearts. The lack of a proper grave for the princess disheartens Gagaran, but the guildmaster support the prince's logic and advises that they keep the ruse that the princess is still in hiding. At present the best way to honor would be to allow E-Rantel the lie that she is still alive in order to have them not give up and move on to rebuild.

When both the prince and guildmaster ask the protagonist if he agrees, the homunculus concurs, proclaiming that the Festival of the Restoration of E-Rantel will take place to fill the city with smiles. The other adventurers in the end agree as it would be what the princess and Climb would have wanted.

Aftermath
TBA