Overlord IV Episode 08

"An Unexpected Move" (計算外の一手 Keisangai no Ichi Te) is the eighth episode of the Overlord IV adaptation. It was first broadcasted on August 23, 2022.

Summary
In Ro-Lente Castle, Prince Zanac talks with Princess Renner how the Roble Holy Kingdom visited the Re-Estize Kingdom recently. Originally wanting to discuss countermeasures against Ainz Ooal Gown, he adhered to Renner's advice on maintaining their foreign policy, even as she reminds him it was his final decision. Not arguing, Zanac observes the increased workload he has to fulfill now that all the small problems the kingdom overlooked have escalated. However, he couldn't provide aid while they were at war with Jaldabaoth, leading them to ask the Sorcerer Kingdom instead, to which Ainz Ooal Gown defeated Jaldabaoth and is now sending relief supplies through Re-Estize meant for Roble. Zanac explains to Renner that he had to allow them through, not wanting to antagonize them, and the Sorcerer Kingdom even accepted tariffs on their travels without issue. The Sorcerer Kingdom even offered to sell their wares in exchange, with Zanac frightened by their generosity. Although Renner tells her brother that he thinks too negatively, he retorts that their actions are likely a plot, like how the Baharuth Empire became a vassal from a ploy. Renner counters that they should submit to vassalization as well, but Zanac doesn't have control over the nobles as Baharuth does, and rebellion would be the first response once that happened. While Renner denies such an outcome, Zanac thinks she'd still follow his lead, wanting Raeven to return to his side. Once Renner voices how it would be hard to get Raeven back into the Royal Capital, Zanac is shocked like she read his mind, but she elaborates that his will was broken from the war and asks when he'll ascend the throne as she wants him to fulfill his promise to her. Zanac explains their father is trying to find the right time to abdicate to him and will fulfill his promise once that occurs, much to Renner's gratitude.

Elsewhere, Philip drinks his sorrows away as nothing good has happened to him, and Baron Wayne Delvin and Baron Igor Rokerlen meet him. Asking why Philip is so depressed, the young Baron expresses frustration at the "uselessness" of the commoners in his domain, as he feels they would be richer if they raised the cash crops he told them to farm, giving excuses such as improper climate or lacking manpower. The two Barons side with Philips woe, and the New Faction leader voices that too many ignorant people smother those with talent. As Wayne reminds Philip of his patron, Hilma Cygnaeus, Philip is thankful to have her backing given their faction's usual meeting spots. Wayne had heard Philip was close to the Sorcerer Kingdom's Prime Minister, and Philip admitted to keeping in touch with Albedo through letters, leading to Wayne to tell Philip about the food shipments which rivaled their own. Philip is puzzled, as they only have a large city like E-Rantel, and Wayne explains that they use Undead to tirelessly cultivate crops. Wayne knows this as food shipments to the Holy Kingdom travel through his land, and he explains that the stored food throughout the kingdom is sold at cheap prices. A heated Philip finds that to be unfair, as that would affect the price of foods from his domain, and concocts a "genius" idea, asking if his two guests have time to spare. In Ainz's office in Nazarick, Albedo continues filing paperwork thinking about the good pace at their nation's conquering territories. But after passing the completed binder to Fith, more Elder Liches arrive with more paperwork, to which Albedo realizes they lack manpower and considers asking Ainz for help to be outrageous. However, she finds the top report about a transport meant for the Holy Kingdom having complications and is bluntly confused by what she is reading. In E-Rantel, Ainz walks alongside Momon and Nabe of the Darkness Adventurer team. As Ainz thinks about how they're putting on a show of positive public relations with Darkness for civil peace, he finds the silence stifling, but he has nothing to talk to Pandora's Actor about at the time. He turns to Nabe to ask if she visited Yuri's orphanage, which she hasn't, and Ainz suggests they walk there now that they have a chance. However, Entoma uses [Message] to relay that Albedo needs him in Nazarick as soon as possible, much to the Overlord's confusion.

Once he arrives, the Floor Guardians kneel in attendance, and Ainz asks for Albedo's report, where she reveals that their food transport to the Holy Kingdom was attacked four days earlier and robbed en route. Asking for the culprit, Albedo confirms it was a Kingdom noble, and Ainz recalls that Eight Fingers prepared the convoy, waving the Sorcerer Kingdom flag. Ainz asks if the Kingdom directly attacked them or if Eight Fingers betrayed them, but seeing Albedo's behavior reminds Ainz of how an employee hesitates to admit their fault in error. Thus, Ainz permits her to speak candidly, and she admits that the fool Noble they were manipulating, Philip, was the culprit. Knowing her due diligence, Albedo summons a frightened Hilma as she is responsible for controlling him. Although Ainz quietly has no clue who she is, he solves that by permitting her to state her name, and vaguely remembers her. As she pleads ignorance of Philip's misdeeds, Ainz uses [Dominate] to force truthful answers from her and concludes that she is innocent of wrong-doing, much to her relieved surprise. While Ainz agrees when Albedo voices a superior must answer for a subordinate's actions, he clarifies such should be used to protect their subordinates and punish them properly, not shift blame. As Albedo is responsible for Hilma, and with Ainz responsible for Albedo, Ainz deems himself finally responsible and he orders Hilma's punishment be to draft countermeasures for Philip's actions and deliver them to Albedo. Using [Gate] to return her home, Eight Fingers executives --Noah Zweden, Prian Polson, and Olin-- ready to help her after a likely punishment, but a thankful Hilma replies that she was able to reason with the Sorcerer King and believes he is worthy of his crown after seeing his wisdom firsthand. But as Noah reminded her that such action was "carrot and stick," she agrees, having done so herself to her subordinates, but never realized how sweet the reward is compared to the whip's sting. As Hilma continues, voicing how she can trust Ainz with her heart, her colleagues are stunned, and Noah comments that they must show their unwavering loyalty.

Back in Nazarick, Ainz notes that his guardians didn't call for him for a simple task like punishing Hilma, and Albedo confirms this, being unsure if he was being manipulated. As Albedo didn't elaborate much about the "carrot and stick" policy to the others, Ainz orders her to clarify (allowing him to covertly learn the details, too) and invites the others to voice opinions freely. As Ainz named it, Operation "Carrot and Stick" was a simple plan to incite civil war in Re-Estize and peacefully absorb the citizenry. Demiurge adds that the idea for the plan came from a "certain individual" in the Kingdom, which Albedo notes the plan was wonderful as it required little modifications, but their chosen noble fool caused their situation. But as a puzzled Ainz wonders that the plan is proceeding as intended, Shalltear chimes in to ask his very thought, but Albedo explains that the civilians were meant to start the civil war, not the nobility. After Demiurge voices the possibility of a shadowed schemer plotting against them, Albedo voices cautioned moves lest they fall into an enemy's trap, to which Ainz ironically asks himself if such an enemy could exist. But when Ainz asks if the noble simply moved thoughtlessly, Albedo voices no. However, Demiurge argues that since they two can only counter intellectuals, Ainz can understand the asinine. Thus, it is the more probable truth that Philip indeed was so stupid that he committed the attack anyway, much to Albedo's shock. Aura and Mare agree as Ainz said as much, and Cocytus also concurs as there are no greater schemers than Ainz, asking Albedo if a smarter noble was not available. Albedo states there were were already more capable nobles who defected to Nazarick, while all the useless ones were gathered into the New Faction to dispose of at a later time at once. When Demiurge asks what punishments are a just response, Ainz is (quietly) shocked that many suggest annihilation. Still, Demiurge recounts Ainz's words that a desolate kingdom would sully the name of Ainz Ooal Gown and wishes to keep to Ainz's orders. Although thinking to himself if drastically shifting the plan is alright based on his past words, Ainz asks Demiurge if the plan has truly failed, leading the Floor Guardian to the "epiphany" that Ainz subjugated the Empire for a "carrot and stick" approach on an international level. Too embarrassed to ask for meaning or correct, Ainz simply agrees with Demiurge, which he takes as permission and plans a more devastating punishment for the Kingdom. As Ainz sits quietly confused, Albedo praises his genius as the Empire took the "carrot" when offered, so the Kingdom must face the "stick" for their unprovoked attack, thus setting an example to the world. A bemused Ainz simply agrees aloud while internally screaming what just happened.

In Ro-Lente, a royal court meeting is held where Zanac reads that a parcel from the Sorcerer Kingdom that persons of Re-Estize seized food meant for the Holy Kingdom and sees the action as hostile, willing to declare war if need be, as other nations recognize and agree with the missive. Zanac reads the seal stamped nations include The Sorcerer Kingdom, Baharuth Empire, The Dragon Kingdom, and the Dwarf Kingdom, with further seals of recognition by the Roble Holy Kingdom and The Faceless, who controls the temples; a name unrecognized by the other nobles. King Ramposa III inquires of Zanac if a third party instigated events, but Zanac regretfully confirms that the Kingdom is directly at fault, having confirmed the culprit as well. Telling those present of Philip's culpability, none have heard of him, and some are furious at his doing something so stupid. When someone wonders if [Charm Person] was used on him to instigate hostilities, Zanac knows that he would be silenced should that be the case and will order him to present himself forthwith, turning to the king to ask about using Philip's head to reconcile with the Sorcerer Kingdom. But Ramposa opposes sacrificing an "innocent" noble and questions if Zanac would proceed as such should he be king. While Zanac understands his position, he reminds him of the Massacre at Katze Plains and voices opposition to fighting the Sorcerer Kingdom at any cost. The Minister of Internal Affairs stands understanding Zanac's position and offers they submit as vassals like what Baharuth did, earning ire from his colleagues. However, Ramposa objects considering the move insulting to those who came sacrificed their lives before defending the kingdom. When Ramposa states to have an idea, a herald arrives to announce that Albedo has arrived in the capital, so Ramposa orders the throne room to ready a welcome for her coming over. There, a reception welcomes Albedo, who elaborates on the matter of the stolen goods, to which Ramposa bows in apology on Philip's behalf, much to the chagrin of everyone there. Standing up, Ramposa asks the perplexed Albedo if there is any forgiveness in sacrificing himself.

Major Events

 * Philip concocts a plan to steal the relief supplies from the Roble Holy Kingdom with his allies.
 * News of the theft eventually reaches the Sorcerer Kingdom.
 * Hilma Cygnaeus is brought before Ainz Ooal Gown to answer for Philip’s actions. Though she is deemed not guilty and released, causing her immense gratitude to the Sorcerer King.
 * Their plan to incite a civil war amongst the Re-Estize Kingdom being compromised, the Floor Guardians and their master vote to punish the kingdom for the actions of their noble.
 * War is declared on the Re-Estize Kingdom and the nation is rebuked by the neighboring states for provoking the Sorcerer Kingdom.
 * Zanac suggests that they offer the head of the noble responsible to appease the Sorcerer Kingdom, but the idea is rejected by his father.
 * Albedo arrives to give the nation an ultimatum, however King Ramposa III offers his life to de-escalate the situation.

In Order of Appearance

 * Zanac Valleon Igana Ryle Vaiself
 * Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself
 * Elias Brandt Dale Raeven (Mentioned)
 * Philip Dayton L'Eyre Montserrat
 * Fith
 * Albedo
 * Hejinmal
 * Ainz Ooal Gown
 * Momon
 * Nabe
 * Entoma Vasilissa Zeta
 * Demiurge
 * Mare Bello Fiore
 * Aura Bella Fiora
 * Cocytus
 * Shalltear Bloodfallen
 * Hilma Cygnaeus

New Characters

 * Wayne Delvin
 * Igor Rokerlen
 * Noah Zweden
 * Prian Polson
 * Olin
 * Faceless One (Mentioned)
 * Minister of Internal Affairs

Known Abilities

 * Message
 * Dominate
 * Gate

Known Locations

 * Re-Estize Kingdom
 * Re-Estize
 * Ro-Lente Castle
 * Sorcerer Kingdom
 * E-Rantel
 * Great Tomb of Nazarick
 * Throne Room

New Locations

 * Tavern

Anime Notes

 * The translation, on multiple occasions, mistakenly refers to the Roble Holy Kingdom as the Slane Theocracy.
 * The Anime skips over the events of the Attack on the Sorcerer Kingdom's Transport to move directly to its aftermath.
 * In the Light Novel, after Hilma is returned back to the base of Eight Fingers, the executives that come to check on her are suppose to be Endio and Oscas.

Gallery
Odcinek 8 (sezon 4)