Overlord Manga Chapter 69

This is the sixty-ninth chapter of the Overlord Manga.

Summary
King Ramposa III assembles his vassals and retainers to discuss the latest proclamation from the Baharuth Empire. In that the Empire has now formed an alliance with the magic caster Ainz Ooal Gown, recognizing his organization of Nazarick as a nation. Additionally the proclamation calls out that the land compromising the city of E-Rantel to be unjustly occupied by the Re-Estize Kingdom. That the land rightfully belongs to Ainz Ooal Gown and so the Empire requests the land be return to their ally. If the request is not met, the Kingdom is warned that the Empire and the Sorcerer King will join together and invade to retake E-Rantel.

The message is heard by the king and nobles present at court. However Ramposa tells his vassals that there is nothing in the history of the Kingdom ever mentioning that the territory of the fortress city ever belonged to someone named Ainz Ooal Gown. Thus the king feels there is no actual justification to heed this request from the Empire. Marquis Boullope finds the demand to be nothing more that ravings of a madman. Other such as Count Lytton muse that it is just another start to the Annual Wars, albeit a late one. The count leads the discussion of where the name Ainz Ooal Gown was heard, which he directs his attention to Gazef Stronoff. He recounts to all of how the Warrior Captain hailed the magic caster Ainz Ooal Gown as his savior, letting the irony sink in of how the roles have changed. Now Ainz is an enemy of the Kingdom. His past actions of saving a village of the Kingdom being called into question by the count who also scorn the Warrior Captain previous theory that razing of several villages were the work the Slane Theocracy and not the Baharuth Empire. Count Lytton finds that Ainz's timely appearance and the lack of evidence of members of the Theocracy makes it clear that the magic caster was already an agent of the Empire and a spy from the beginning.

Gazef though stand firm on his report as his experience tells him that the knights that burned the frontier villages were not of the Empire. Furthermore the culprits used angels to attack him, so there is no doubt that they were from the Theocracy. Marquis Boullope openly declares that the Empire's new alliance with the magic caster is irrelevant and that they should instead focus on deciding a response against the emperor. The king agrees with the marquis's and opens the floor for any remarks. Marquis Pespea takes a turn to speak, stating that the only recourse for their nation is for war, which sparks some fervor among the nobles eager to fight the Empire in battle and crush them. Gazef looking on with disdain at the behavior warns them not to expect this war to be the same as the others. Ramposa asks Gazef to explain his reason. The answer Gazef gives it is because of Ainz Ooal Gown. Since Gazef is the only one to have faced Gazef, the king asks his vassal to elaborate but the Warrior Captain has no answer as it is more of an instinct telling him that the upcoming war would be extremely dangerous. He tries to suggest perhaps if they can hand over the outskirts to the Empire to avoid the war. But this act is seen as cowardly by the assembled nobles who mock him. The king ceases the shouting firmly stating that he the Warrior Captain is his loyal retainer who had put himself in danger on his behalf countless times. Sadly he cannot do as Gazef asks as no ruler would give up territory without a fight especially for the sake of the people living in that area. Understanding the king's point, the Warrior Captain apologizes for his remark.

A few nobles from the Nobility Faction though consider Gazef's suggestion as forfeiting one city could allow them to avoid a war and that it was the king's duty to make sacrifices for the people. They are rebuked by the Royalty Faction calling out then they should sacrifice their lands to preserve peace. This sparks an argument between the two factions. Gazef watching the scene sees that this is the result of the shift in power from the Demonic Disturbance. The Royalty Faction gained much power over the Nobility Faction due to the king taking the lead to repel Jaldabaoth causing the people view him as a strong leader and some nobles to flock to his side. If the king were to show weakness now it would mean rebellion amongst the nobles and thus understands why his liege is projecting an image of strength. However this causes Gazef to be unease as failing to admit weakness is a dangerous thing. The argument between members of the Royalty Faction and the Nobility Faction goes on and the king seems less inclined to stop his faction from voicing their dispute with the other faction. Gazef thinks to himself that his liege intentionally did this to vent out his frustrations on the Nobility Faction. This draws him some concern as he worries that Ramposa III is getting too addicted to this rare privilege.

It becomes clear to the Warrior Captain that the Kingdom's political spectrum is now a mess due to the Demon Emperor's meddling. Though at the time the king's move to be at the forefront was the best choice then when facing the demon, now in this unfolding situation he cannot help but wonder if there should be a different choice when both political factions at the session were standing on equal footing. In the end it is Marquis Raeven who stops the childish bickering between the factions so that the session can focus on making preparations for the Empire's invasion. Lytton tries to argue that it is the king's responsibility to defend E-Rantel, though the marquis counterargues that if the king's forces are defeated at E-Rantel, the Empire's army may strike anywhere next hence all the nobles should cooperate with the king to protect their domains. His words convince several members of the Six Great Nobles to pledge their support for an united stand against the Empire. The king then moves to delay the Kingdom's response to the Empire's proclamation in order to gather troops at the usual place for the war, before declaring war, adding that he will personally be at the battlefield.

Crown Prince Barbro Andrean Ield Ryle Vaiself takes this opportunity to voice his eagerness to join his father at the battlefield. His brother Prince Zanac though believes that it is not necessary for the the one next in line to risk their lives and offers to go in his brother's place but is scoffed at by his older sibling. Gazef sees that Barbro does not wish to give Zanac more chances to prove himself as the other prince had gained popularity among the people for patrolling the royal capital when Jaldabaoth attacked. Their squabble is just another example of the power struggle within the court and the warrior laments on the future of the Kingdom once the old king dies. The one who supports Barbro in going out into the field is Marquis Boullope offering to provide the prince with his strongest soldiers for protection. The king asks his Warrior Captain on his opinion but the latter believes such a decision rests wiith his majesty.

Later at the Marquis Raeven's mansion, the marquis is seen in his study cursing the stupidity of the nobles for not seeing the status quo. In that they fail to see that the Kingdom has various problems with food and troops due to the frequent invasions of the Empire. The Empire is obviously a step above the Kingdom in terms of military due to its knight system. The only way the Kingdom managed to counter their aggressive neighbor's attacks was by gathering the commoners to form an army. But the Empire is well aware of this and are attacking the Kingdom during farming season. The wars are slowly afflicting losses on the Kingdom. It pains the marquis that the idiots in courts are too obsessed with their power struggles to sit on the throne that they fail to see the bigger picture. The king is also no better as to Raeven he is a fool yet not drunk on power but does not think. Princess Renner involvement in the Demonic Disturbance had given her father the opportunity to make things fall in favor with the Royalty Faction and should have been the perfect time for the king to transfer power to the next generation.

However the king refuses to do so all because of pity for his firstborn child. While the marquis can understand the king's feelings, he feels that everyone is not thinking about what is at stake. On what to do, Raeven becomes frustrated on thinking up a plan to solve this crisis. Right now the upcoming war with the Empire is dangerous and possibly assume that 10,000 casualties will occur. Just as he hopes that the princess will make his job on this a bit easier, he receives a knock at his door.

Raeven's face briefly displays an expression uncharacteristic on his normal serious self, before he quickly smacks it away and bids the people at the door to enter. At the door the marquis's wife and young son enter greeting. Raeven's son is eager to see his father who he embraces which is reciprocated by the nobleman. The marquis begins talking to his son in a childish fashion and is gently chided by his wife that his baby-talking will spoil their son Rii-tan. The marquis believes that is an unfounded rumor and continues to play with his son whilst his wife smiles at the scene. When Rii-tan makes an unhappy expression, Raeven nearly panics fumbling over to make amends to see his child smile again. He then decides to end his work for the day to join his family for dinner. This surprises his wife who figured he would be busy and seeing how tired he is offers to inform her brother to assist though is declined. Rii-tan offers to help his father in his work, causing Raeven to smile. The noble recalls how he once contended for the throne but since his son's birth realized what was important. Smiling he with tears he hugs his son and promises to himself that he will give his son a territory that will be in a perfect state for him to inherit.

Two months after the declaration of the Baharuth Empire, conscripted men are seen gathering inside the fortified walls of the city of E-Rantel. A few men are sitting in the cold. One complains that they are just ordinary people and if it makes sense for them to fight a war. His companion, having been through and survived one war, tells his junior that it doesn't matter if it makes sense or not, even if the war ends, another one will happen next year. At a villa in the city, the nobles and the king are present where the latter thanks those present for their hard work. A;; preparations are ready and the Kingdom has already received a declaration from the Empire of where their forces will clash which turns out as usual place, the northwest region of the Katze Plains. One of the nobles asks since it's the smae place if this means that the Empire's invasion will be the same. That is not the case as Marquis Raeven informs everyone that his team of former orichalcum adventurers scouted the area. ALthough he doesn't know the strength of the troops his men discovered that the Empire has mobilized a great deal of military power for this engagement. A total of six legions are counted to be deployed, bringing shock to many nobles. Luckily the Kingdom had increased the amount of soldiers five times to what the Empire has, but it is apparent this war will be anything like the others. Count Lytton finds it odd for their enemy to be mobilizing so many troops and thinks that the increase number of imperial forces is just a way for the Empire to impress Ainz Ooal Gown. The Kingdom has yet to receive any reply from Ainz Ooal Gown himself but marquis does not discount the possibility that the magic caster is the cause for this development and may be acting only as a observer and not a participant in the war.

Gazef also at the meeting asks to speak and even though the nobles give him many hard looks, he is permitted by Ramposa. He disagrees with Raeven's assessment that the declaration of war to be a sham. After all Theocracy delivered a message stating they acknowledge the legitimacy of the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown claim over the lands surrounding E-Rantel. To Gazef it's clear that the Theocracy do not want to mess with a being who easily defeated one of their Six Scriptures. Count Lytton is still dismissive of how one magic caster can be so dangerous. A noble next to him though states that they should not let their prejudices blind them as the Empire's handling of this new magic caster is too unusual and thus they should be vigilant. The warning goes unheeded by Marquis Boullope as he maintains that stories of one mere magic caster changing the battle situation are just stories and those that do are cowards.

Prince Barbro suggests maybe they should draft the adventurers in the Kingdom into their army since they are residents of their nation. Marquis Raeven takes a moment to ask the prince if he is aware that there are adventurers who are stronger than common soldiers, which the prince confirms as that is the reason why they should draft the adventurers into their military to defeat the imperial knights with ease. The marquis points out if the Kingdom conscripted the adventurers it would cause the Empire to follow suit. In that case as it will lead to a systematic slaughter of the weak soldiers against the adventurers. If that happens, more vulnerable will die and the damage of the conflict will increase. Hence why the nations do not to rely on adventurers to avoid an arms race and it is a rule that the Adventurer's Guild regulates.

Prince Barbro understands the reason though does not accept it. He asks what would happen if a city adventurers are staying in is suddenly attacked? If they don't lend their strength to defend their nation are they not enemies? Raeven informs the prince that for adventurers it is difficult to determine their allegiances. But if adventurers were to participate in the Annual War and die, the loss to the country would be even greater.

The prince counters that the marquis recruited retired adventurers into his armed forces so isn't that a contradiction? It is clarified as an exception as the rules of the Adventurer's Guild do apply to retired adventurers who left the guild. Those such rules only apply to adventurers that rank up to orichalcum while adamantite ranked adventurers are excluded from this dispensation. Speaking of adamantite ranked adventurers, Prince Barbro recalls that there is a new team known as Darkness stationed in E-Rantel. He heard that one of the magic caster in that team "Beautiful Nabe" and hoped maybe if they can pit her against Ainz Ooal Gown. The idea is praised by a minor noble named Baron Cheneko who suggests that they should reach out to Nabe on this matter.

The weary king gives the baron permission to do so which pleases the noble for being granted a "royal order". After Baron Cheneko leaves, Marquis Raeven seeing they have strayed from the original topic, turns the meeting's attention back to the upcoming battle. He asks Marquis Boullope if his forces will be able to leave to arrive at the designated location. The other marquis reports that there is no issue and will be ready to leave soon, though before going he has one suggestion to the king. From what he gathered, Ainz Ooal Gown had first appeared to save Carne Village and so his appearance there may have some strategic motive. He feels that perhaps they should mobilize some troops and question the villagers about the magic caster and entrusts the task to Prince Barbro. This brings about an objection from the prince, but is silenced by Ramposa who agrees that the suggestion is sound and gives an order to his son to journey to the village.

This plan though is seen by Gazef as a bad idea as he doubts that the villagers will know anything useful about Ainz Ooal Gown and splitting their forces would be a bad move no matter how small. Marquis Boullope requisition five thousand of his personal elite troops for the prince's use in this mission along with some minor nobles which brings about approval from Marquis Raeven on Boullope's caution for the prince against a flanking force though to the Warrior Captain he doubts that Empire would use such dishonorable methods. Even the king agrees but has no choice but to accept the offer on behalf of his son's well-being. Marquis Boullope thanks the king and asks his own question: Who will command this war? And recommends himself for the role. This brings an air f tension among the people at the meeting. However Ramposa selects Marquis Raeven for the task to conduct the army as he sees fit.

Marquis Raeven accepts it promising to head out to deploy their forces. Though being passed over by his colleague, Marquis Boullope congratulates his peer on his new position. The king gives out the order to the nobles begin preparations as they leave to the battlefield tomorrow. Once the nobles are dismissed, only Ramposa and Gazef remain in the room. Relieved that the meeting is over Ramposa thanks his loyal retainer for his hard work. There are still things on the king's mind such as the various issues before the skirmish with the Empire and is distressful on how the foolish his Kingdom state is split into factions. Gazef offers some support stating that addressing the split would have only caused a civil war and be weakened. Sadden Ramposa murmurs that he only wishes to leave behind a good Kingdom for his children.

Marquis Raeven then enters into the room apologizing to the king for keeping him awaiting. However it is the king who apologizes to him for putting the burden of command of the army unto Raeven. Marquis Raeven though insists that the king made the right choice of putting the responsibility on him rather than Marquis Boullope since the other noble only knew how to charge and retreat. And if the king took direct control of the army, one misstep could cause the Nobility Faction to withdraw from the battle. Since Raeven is now the commander of the Kingdom's forces he requests in advance that after the war he be allowed to retire to his lands for a few months. The king appreciates Marquis Raeven's hard work, once again expressing regret for the trouble he gave to the marquis and the princess. Raeven though feels that such apologies are not necessary as he has been acting on his won without the king's consent, regretting that he did not take action earlier. Gazef too wishes to apologize to the marquis as he was blinded by shallow impressions of the marquis and harbored profane thoughts on him, thinking that he was an enemy. He offers himself to be given punishment, but Raeven incredulous does not wish to seek retribution. Instead he offers the Warrior Captain his hand to shake and be allowed to call him by his first name as equals. Both men shake hands starting their relationship anew before Raeven begins the discussion with the king to talk about the Kingdom's future.

Later Gazef is seen outside the mansion exhausted. He passes by several conscripts doing their training practices and is reminded that protecting them should be the responsibility of those that rule over them. He has doubts on fighting the Sorcerer King is the right choice. His minds drifts to that time when he could find no corpses of Ainz's battle with the Sunlight Scripture and wonders just how dangerous Ainz actually is. The Warrior Captain's train of thought is distracted when he sees Climb and Brain Unglaus speaking with Lockmeier. Brain is the first to sense the Warrior Captain approach and smiles at his rival. Climb unaware of Gazef's presence is delivered a chop to the head by the Warrior Captain. Briefly stunned by the prank Climb quickly recovers himself when he see who it is was that hit him. Gazef quickly hushes Climb from shouting out his name to keep his identity discrete among the conscripts. As for Climb Gazef teases the young warrior should be more alert. Gazef reminds Climb that as the princess's bodyguard he will need to develop a sense to detect assassins. On the boy's training Gazef inquires if he is training is senses, but sadly Climb has only been focusing on combat techniques. Brain tells Climb that he is not at fault. In fact the mercenary can relate to the boy as he was also neglectful on sensory skills when training. Brain then offers to help correct that with Climb as a favor to Gazef.

The three now on their free time then go to the top of one of the watchtowers of the city to take in the view of the Katze Plains, an undead land shrouded in mist all year round and site of the approaching war. To Brain the view is magnificent and makes it worth being a subordinate of the princess. The three pass around some jokes until Brain face turns serious and asks why Gazef really brought them to the tower, worried that someone is targeting Gazef and even offers to lend a hand. Gazef states that is not the case and he has no wish for Brain to dirty his hands. Brain reminds his old rival that he wasn't exactly a clean man. The Warrior Captain though states that both of them have equally stained their blades with blood. But Brain argues that his sword was stained by his own desires while Gazef's was stained with the blood of the Kingdom's enemies. In comparison Brain's life is much more sinful. Gazef asks Brain if that is the reason why the mercenary has stayed as an underling to the princess? To atone for his sins? For Brain it is nothing of the sort, admitting that he had been aiming to beat the Warrior Captain, dedicating his life for that singular goal. But since Gazef did him a favor, Brain merely wishes to return it.

To answer Brain's question, Gazef states he had no particular reason for bringing them up to the tower, and only wanted to spend some time to chat. To Climb Gazef recommends Climb on changing the color of his armor as it is too conspicuous. But the boy cannot do that as when he wears the armor he is bringing recognition to Princess Renner. If he changes the color just to avoid being targeted the other nobles and inconvenience the princess. He would rather face death and win her approval. The eyes Climb gives to the Warrior Captain reminds the veteran warrior that they are the same as to when he trained with the boy. Brain breaks up the tension asking Climb to stop talking about dying and promises Gazef to look after the young man. This is appreciated by Gazef and he warns Brain that he while his strength may be okay against one of the Four Imperial Knights, warns him about facing Ainz Ooal Gown who is on another level. Shocked by Gazef's seriousness, Brain asks if the magic caster is truly strong and Climb wonders aloud if maybe this Ainz is stronger than Sebas Tian. For the latter Gazef is certain that the magic caster would be stronger. The two warriors are curious as to why Gazef shows respect to the enemy, which the Warrior Captain replies that it its because Ainz is a worthy enemy, even if saying so would be a nuisance for the king. Gazef understanding why Climb will not change the color of his armor only asks for his junior to be careful. When the war is over he suggests that he treat all three of them to a tavern he knows in the capital that serves some delicious food. The trio are in high hopes that they will come back safely from the war.

Elsewhere in the military camp of the Baharuth Empire, a knight requests permission to see the leader of the Second Legion who is in command of the assembled Imperial Army. The guard at the gate reports to the other that General Carvain is in a meeting to devise a plan of battle against the Kingdom's forces. The guest who is Nimble Arc Dale Anoch and one of the Four Imperial Knights is welcomed into the camp. Before entering Nimble learns that the Sorcerer King has not yet arrived which relieves the knight as he has something that requires some guidance from the general.

Major Events

 * The Re-Estize Kingdom receives a proclamation from the Baharuth Empire, declaring its new alliance with the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown and the goal to reclaim the city of E-Rantel on behalf of their ally. King Ramposa III with the support of his empowered Royalty Faction and also the Nobility Faction responds to the Empire's message with a declaration of war.
 * Marquis Elias Brandt Dale Raeven is frustrated at the short-sightedness of the royal court and the nobles as they fail to see that the Empire is eroding the strength of the Kingdom through the Annual Wars. Despite the hardships he vows to do what he can to create a better world for his son.
 * The Royal Army forces gather at E-Rantel in preparation for the war. There the Kingdom learns that six of the legions of the Imperial Army have been deployed, far greater than that in the previous years. However the nobles believe they still maintain a numerical advantage with their armed forces.
 * Crown Prince Barbro tries to recommend that the Kingdom conscript the adventurers into the war but teh idea is turned down due to the restrictions of the Adventurer's Guild. However his idea to invite admantite adventurers such as Darkness is put into action.
 * Marquis Raeven is named the overall commander of the Royal Army.
 * Despite believing that Ainz Ooal Gown will have very little impact on the actual battle, Marquis Boullope suggests that Crown Prince Barbro Andrean Ield Ryle Vaiself be sent to Carne Village to question Carne Village on the magic caster.
 * Warrior Gazef Stronoff realizing that Marquis Raeven is a true ally to the Kingdom gives the noble a formal apology.
 * Gazef latter meets with Brain Unglaus and Climb during his free time.
 * Nimble Arc Dale Anoch arrives at the imperial camp to speak with the general.

In Order of Appearance

 * Ramposa III
 * Gazef Stronoff
 * Zanac Valleon Igana Ryle Vaiself
 * Elias Brandt Dale Raeven
 * Ainz Ooal Gown (Cameo)
 * Jaldabaoth (Cameo)
 * Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself (Cameo)
 * Lockmeier
 * Climb
 * Brain Unglaus

New Characters

 * Marquis Boullope
 * Marquis Pespea
 * Barbro Andrean Ield Ryle Vaiself
 * Marquis Blumrush
 * Count Lytton
 * Rii-tan
 * Marchioness Raeven
 * Margrave Urovana
 * Baron Cheneko
 * Nimble Arc Dale Anoch

Abilities Used

 * No abilities were used during this chapter.

Known Locations

 * Re-Estize
 * Ro-Lente Castle
 * E-Rantel
 * Katze Plains
 * Imperial Castrum

Chapter Notes

 * This chapter first appears in the Monthly Comp Ace March 2022 Issue.
 * The scene where Marquis Raeven speaks to the king and Gazef, omits the debut of Mayor Panasolei Gruze Day Rettenmaier who appears in the Light Novel.