This is the sixteenth chapter of Overlord New World.
Summary[]
Part 1[]
The chapter begins with Gondo Firebeard visiting a pair of dwarves at a workshop, one drunk on spirits and another sleeping at his workstation. The scene switches to the Council Chamber where Ainz Ooal Gown meets with the Regency Council, who govern the Dwarf Kingdom, a body composed of eight influential people in the country.
Ainz in his mind frets on his inability of differentiating the dwarfs, as to him they all look alike. However he can't afford to show his confusion, not with his subordinates, Aura, Shalltear, and Zenberu sitting besides him. The Sorcerer King steels him for the council to address him, though both parties sit in awkward silence for a time. Ainz wonders why the dwarves have yet to start talking, until finally he introduces himself as the king of the Sorcerer Kingdom. One of the dwarves, the Cabinet Secretary, then formally greets the Sorcerer King on behalf of his country. Thanking him for his aide, as without him the Dwarf Kingdom would have fallen.
Ainz humbly responds that there is no need to worry as they are all in the same boat when in trouble. The Master of Caves and Mines thanks the Sorcerer King for his generosity, promising that should he ever be in trouble the dwarves would do everything in their power to help. Though he comments that for someone who can save a country with just two soldiers, could they really do anything for the visiting king.
Although Ainz admits that the Sorcerer Kingdom excels in military power, it is somewhat unreliable in other areas. Therefore in such areas, Ainz wishes to borrow the dwarves strength if possible. The Master of Caves and Mines has heard from the Commander-in-Chief that the Sorcerer King came to the Dwarf Kingdom to establish diplomatic relations. But he wants to hear from the Sorcerer King directly on why he came.
Ainz affirms he came to establish friendly diplomatic relations with the dwarves and to initiate trade between their nations. He has heard that people in the Dwarf Kingdom receive their food mainly from mushrooms and meat, and while there are vegetables, the amount and variety are limited. In that regard, Ainz offers that the Sorcerer Kingdom can provide fresh vegetables and other foodstuffs.
When he asks if the Council have any interest in acquiring alcohol from the human kingdom or Sorcerer Kingdom, this offer definitely receives immediate honest attention from the dwarves in the chamber. The Overlord tells the council he has heard that the dwarves does trade with the human nation to the east, so having another trade partner should not be an issue. The Merchant's Guildmaster, informs the Sorcerer King that he is correct, however the mountain roads are steep and there's a limit to how much a caravan can carry. Although the dwarves can compensate, having developed a magic item that can hold an infinite amount of cargo. The Forgemaster interjects that travel between the human nation and Dwarf Kingdom is hindered due to the large number of monsters on the mountain paths, in that it would easy for a caravan to get noticed especially when in a large group.
It's clear to Ainz that the Dwarf Kingdom is in a unique location and takes a lot of effort to travel here. But to Ainz that's why they're the best trading partner for the Sorcerer Kingdom. Currently the only specialty of the Sorcerer Kingdom are undead, but the Dwarf Kingdom being nestled in the rugged mountains, the Sorcerer Kingdom can make a profit by just delivering regular foodstuffs and selling them to the dwarves.
To the Council, Ainz strongly recommends that they open diplomatic relations with his kingdom and import foodstuffs, since it's currently too dangerous for their nation's citizens to transport them. In the future he will create trade routes manually in the Sorcerer Kingdom and create safe routes that horse-drawn carriages can use. The mention of these plans catches the focus of the Forgemaster, who cautiously inquires if the labor will be done by the undead. This is confirmed to be true by Ainz reasoning that the undead have the ability to defend themselves and are immune to fatigue, making them ideal to pull wagons. More importantly he expresses that such labor is being used in the Sorcerer Kingdom. And adds that the public's reaction was positive in face with the advantages of the undead.
The Forgemaster hearing this, makes an outburst stating that the undead attack the living. Ainz calmly expresses that generally undead hate the living and attack them. However in a more serious tone state that there is no problem, that he, the Supreme Being, controls and that the Sorcerer Kingdom employs. Ainz adds that there are other advantages of using undead. He proposes that the dwarves use the undead to work in their mines as a labor force. This shocks the Forgemaster on the idea, incredulous on whether that is possible.
Ainz claims that a mine owner has already been lent undead and it has been successful in the human kingdom and that there have been additional requests for more undead labor. The High Priest of Earth states that they are aware the general traits of the undead. The Master of Caves and Mines though is fascinated by the proposal, as if the dwarves can control the undead and dig the mines, they could free up the people working there for other purposes. Before the Master of Caves and Mines and ask any more questions, the Commander-in-Chief raises calls out to the Sorcerer King.
Part 2[]
Before anything, the Commander asks if it was possible to purchase the undead that fought the Quagoa. The other councilors though chastise the Commander. The Master of Caves and Mines informs his colleague that it would be very dangerous to rely on foreign military aid to secure peace in their country. The Commander knows that, but right now the most important thing is the safety of the dwarven people, and that those undead should be purchased as a final defense force. The Commander urges them to make the purchase.
This brings a condescending tone from the Forgemaster, as it would be dangerous to have another country grab them by the throat. Though the Commander insists that this is not the time to say such things, which is agreed by the Master of Caves and Mines, especially with the Sorcerer King present. The dwarf apologizes for showing the foreign king an embarrassing side of themselves, and asks if he could ignore it, and think of their argument between the councilors as a clash caused by Ainz's charming proposal.
Back to the topic at hand, the Master of Caves and Mines asks Ainz what exactly does he want from the Dwarf Kingdom, to which the undead admits that he desires ore, as his country's stockpiles are limited. To the Merchant's Guildmaster, this makes sense on why Ainz brought up the topic of undead labor first. The dwarf goes on to say that If a large amount of ore is excavated, there will be a surplus, meaning the price of ore will fall, becoming cheaper to purchase for the Sorcerer Kingdom. In actuality Ainz didn't think that far, but sees the benefit of the suggested plan, so he claims to the Merchant's Guildmaster that is exactly right. In addition Ainz states that he also wants weapons crafted from the nation, having heard that the weapons made by the dwarves are of excellent quality.
The Forgemaster states that while the council have not thanked the Sorcerer King for sharing his proposal, these questions he has cannot be answered immediately. This is of course fine with Ainz as he is in no hurry. He then brings up the Quagoa, directing his attention to the Commander-in-Chief, recalling that the dwarf took it upon himself to deal with the Quagoa invasion. The Commander states that is right, and that if the Sorcerer King had not been there, the enemy's advance the dwarves would have to rely on a single gate. If it had been breached, the Council would have mobilized the citizens and turned into a city battle.
Given that the total strength of the enemy forces is unknown, even if the dwarves were able to repel the Quagoa, the damage would be enormous and their national power would be greatly weakened. The Commander admits that his people relied too much on the Great Rift. The dwarf slams his fist on the table, laments it was their only trump card, and once get gone, it's all over. Thus he declares to his fellow councilors that he requested the undead so that their nation can have an additional trump card, and is willing to acquire it even if it meant borrowing the Sorcerer King's power.
Ainz points out that although the Quagoa were repelled, Feo Jera is not complete at peace. Adding that if the nation he is about to trade with were to perish it would be troublesome for him. So he makes the offer for the councilors to use his power as he can stop the Quagoa from attacking their country. To start with Ainz offers to reclaim the former dwarven capital. The offers causes a start from the dwarves in the room. Some of the dwarves ask that is truly possible. However doubt is expressed by the Forgemaster stating the offer is too good to be true, and demands from Ainz on why he would help them.
Finding his aggresiveness a bit too much, the Director of Food Production tries to reign the Forgemaster. But the Forgemaster won't stay quiet brushing his colleague aside shouting to the Regency Council, if they really think there's no ulterior motive when a stranger offers a delicious drink? Ainz hearing this takes no offense as the Forgemaster's query is a natural question. He then explains why he is having a heart to heart talk with the Regency Council is because their nation has more in common with the Sorcerer Kingdom than the Quagoa. Besides, it wouldn't be more appreciated if he helped someone who was on the verge of losing than someone who was winning. And Ainz would want to be rewarded in kind, not in gratitude.
When the Commander asks what Ainz means by rewarded. The Merchant's Guildmaster wonders he is inferring about rare precious metal ores or mining rights. It's something else as Ainz says. That being, Ainz would like to invite the Runesmiths to his country. This brings some confusion by the dwarves and Ainz explains that weapons made with runes are extremely valuable and have a high added value, which is why he wants to see them being made in his country. The Forgemaster accuses Ainz wanting to take the runesmiths as slaves. This amuses Ainz, as why would he want to take slaves from a country he is opening diplomatic relations with and start trade. All he wants are the runesmiths to make weapons in his country.
The Merchant Guildmaster suggests maybe the Dwarf Kingdom could sell him rune-engraved weapons instead. This is no good to Ainz, and if he wants his help, the runesmiths will have to work in the Sorcerer Kingdom and sell their wares exclusively. These are what he wants in exchange for reclaiming the dwarven country's former capital. The Sorcerer King then asks when he can receive their answer. In response the Master of Caves and Mines proposes until tomorrow, until it is objected by the Commander. He points out that the city is under attack by the Quagoa, and a decision need to be made now.
The Master of Caves and Mines concedes and asks Ainz if he and his delegation could wait in the waiting room. Ainz has no objections, and files out the room with his subordinates. After they are gone, the Council hold a silent moment, before the Master of Caves and Mines and Director of Food Production explode on Ainz and how a terrifying monster he is. The Cabinet Secretary released how he nearly lost his never when meeting AInz. The High Priest of Earth confirms to everyone that Ainz is a evil monster. The Merchant's Guildmaster is certain Ainz has killed many people, and guesses that he is planning a war of aggression, which is why he's gathering weapons for his army of darkness.
Though everyone on the council is wholly afraid of the Sorcerer King, the Commander, calmly underscores that if they don't do something about the Quagoa, their country will be destroyed. And the only one who can save them is the Sorcerer King.
That point being made clear, the Regency Council calms down and deliberates. The Brewmaster questions if Ainz can even drink, and is told by the Cabinet Secretary on it being impossible, and the Forgemaster stating that you can't trust someone who can't drink alcohol. Even so the Merchant's Guildmaster finds that he is convinced by Ainz's story, that he would rather trade with the dwarves than the Quagoa. Though the Brewmaster warns that the other part may be offering an unfair deal to gain an advantage. In that case the Merchant's Guildmaster doesn't mind going along with the Sorcerer King's proposal. He explains that as long as the Sorcerer King desires the ore, he will protect the dwarves. So the dwarf thinks he colleagues should think of him as a mercenary who is a big eater and a heavy drinker.
The Forgemaster is against the proposal, as he refuses to have the runesmiths enslaved, but the Director Food Production reminds the former that Ainz said he would not enslave the runesmiths. In reaction the Forgemaster can't believe that his colleague or anyone would believe the undead. Rather than believing, the Commander argues that without the help of the Sorcerer King, Feo Jera will perish, so they cannot brush aside this lifeline. This infuriates the Forgemaster, calling the Commander a youngster. But the Commander is adamant on his argument as he is in charge of military affairs of the city.
The Commander grabs the Forgemaster by the scruff of his clothes, stating that accepting the aid of the Sorcerer King is the only way to protect the city. And accuses him of wanting to destroy the city if he kept hindering the negotiations. But the Forgemaster throws accusations that the Commander is betraying his country, finding it treason for calling that monster, Ainz, "His Majesty." The two nearly come to blows, but are separated by the Master of Caves and Mines and Director of Food Production. The Master of Caves and Mines then suggests that they should find out first whether or not the Sorcerer King will accept the offer. Soon a vote is called among the members of the Regency Council.
Part 3[]
The Regency Council then allow Momonga and his entourage back into the room. After much discussion they have decided to accept the Sorcerer King's offer. The Master of Caves and Mines wanting to take advantage of the foreign king's kindness, asks for the stationing of troops, and then open diplomatic relations and start trade. Of course that can be at a separate meeting. Ainz agrees to lend the Dwarf Kingdom military forces to quickly recapture the garrison and prevent the Quagoa from invading. The councilor adds that in regards to the matter of dispatching the runesmiths to the Sorcerer Kingdom, the council have agreed to this.
However, in order to find out how their brethren will be treated, the council would like to send an inspection team to check on their welfare. Of which Ainz has no issue with and promises to accept the inspectors. To him it's reasonable, for the dwarves to want to see if the Sorcerer Kingdom is adhering to its labor agreement. Typically such labor contracts are never honored, something Ainz all knows to well, swearing he won't create a person like Herohero, promising to himself that he will create an environment that will impress the dwarves when they come to investigate.
To Ainz the Quagoa attacking the garrison was fortuitous as it created such favorable conditions for negotiations. Ainz has a request to the Forgemaster. He would like to send some armor to a certain lizardman. The Forgemaster asks what material would the armor be made, thinking it to be adamantite. The metal Ainz has in mind is not adamantite and he takes out two metal ignots of what he refers to as a serviceable metal, and that he wants the councilor to make him a chain suit of it. In addition he gives the dwarf a dagger of the same material as reference. Upon receiving the material, the Forgemaster views them with astonishment, though swears that he will make the armor. For further information on the armor details, Ainz directs the Forgemaster to Zenberu, as the blacksmith looks uncertain at what he is given.
Elsewhere in the domicile of the dwarf Gondo, a group of dwarves are sitting down inside, drinking and chatting about how delicious a sample of alcohol they received from their host was. From their conversation, the dwarves heard that the alcohol was from the Sorcerer Kingdom. In fact they had come to Gondo's home under the promise of receiving a bottle of the spirits, once they listen to the Sorcerer King's proposal. Gondo who is waiting by the front door, finds their drunkards behavior depressing. One of the dwarves tries to get Gondo to partake as there are only a few sample bottles left. Though Gondo has no interest as he doesn't drink. Even so the dwarf tells Gondo if he needs help he could come to him. This briefly takes Gondo aback, but after seeing the dwarf join the others in their banter, he sighs sadly.
Aura and Ainz soon step into the room, the latter asking if they can get started with the meeting which Gondo replies in the affirmative to the undead. But as soon as Ainz is in full few of the dwarves, they all begin to panic at seeing the undead. Shalltear brings order back into the room, by brandishing a clear bottle of alcohol in front of the dwarves that gets their attention, overriding their fear. Now that the room has become quiet for him to speak, Ainz states that those who came to come and listen to what he says will be given a bottle just like the one Shalltear is holding. If they feel that they don't want to hear from the undead, they were free to leave, but would not receive a bottle.
He introduces himself as the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown, with a proposal for them the dwarven runesmiths who gathered in the house. The Sorcerer King wants them to come to his country and work on developing innovation in runecraft. The reaction from the runesmiths are bitter responses, as they ask why since their craft was dying out. Those words obviously sting Gondo, but he remains silent.
Ainz then brings out a black-bladed sword etched with runes and explains that he wishes for the runesmiths to help him recreate lost knowledge. The runesmith gawk at the sight of the item in amazement, before getting up from their sitting positions, rushing towards the Sorcerer King and clamoring to have closer examination of the sword. Shalltear tries to give then a fierce glare at the dwarves, but Ainz's order for quite settles the room. Then continuing on, Ainz asks the runesmiths if it is possible to carve twenty runes like the one on the sword.
One of the runesmiths answers that it is impossible. Though two hundred years ago, the Runesmith King's hammer had six runes engraved on it. Back then it was the glory days of runesmith, but no one had achieved the accomplishment of carving twenty runes on an item. This makes Ainz to conclude that the sword must be made from lost techniques, admitting to the dwarves that the person who created the sword has long since perished. Hence why Ainz wants to revive this craft, and to do so he needs the help of all the dwarven runesmiths. With an aim to create an object similar to this sword.
The runesmiths receiving this challenge, then began to step forward to participate in the revival of runecraft, to create new masterpieces and become legend. Ainz hands the sword to one of the runesmiths who are seeking the challenge. With the presentation over, Aura and Shalltear laud Ainz for having completely moved the dwarves to his side and that no one could do better. Though Ainz humbly states it was nothing, as Albedo or Demiurge could have done it.
Gondo approaches the Sorcerer Kingdom, asking if what he said in front of the runesmiths was true. That the Regency Council agreed to send out the runesmiths? On that Ainz tells Gondo that is true, that the council will send inspectors to check on the runesmiths working condition and that they agreed to the trade. Gondo having heard this, interprets that the runesmiths have become obsolete to his country, bringing him to tears. Ainz putting a hand on Gondo's shoulder confirms that the councilors offered up the runesmiths without resistance, But unlike them he can see a different possibility for the runesmiths. That it's not over even if something is abandoned in one country as long as it's needed in another. Gondo wiping away his tears. then thanks the Sorcerer King for those comforting words, before promising to meet the undead's expectation with all his strength.
Major Events[]
- Ainz opens negotiations with the Regency Council to establish trade relations between the Sorcerer Kingdom and Dwarf Kingdom.
- The offer of undead labor is presented to the Councilors, with Ainz citing that he has experimented with it in the human countries.
- The Commander wants to know if undead could be purchased from the Sorcerer Kingdom, but his question is cut short by the Council not wanting to rely on a foreign power.
- In the negotiations Ainz desires ore and weapons from the Dwarf Kingdom.
- Given that the threat of the Quagoa remains, Ainz offers to deal with the demi-humans, by first reclaiming the dwarves former capital. All he asks are the runesmiths of the Dwarf Kingdom.
- The dwarves have a moment to deliberate. After Ainz and his entourage leaves, the dwarves release their pent of stress of dealing with a terrifying being like Ainz.
- After the Commander points out that Ainz is their only hope, the dwarves discuss Ainz deal, with the chief proponent being the Merchant's Guildmaster.
- The proposal is objected by the Forgemaster due to his fear the runesmiths will be enslaved. He nearly comes to blow with the Commander who sees Ainz's deal as a lifeline. And in the end the Regency Council calls for a vote.
- The Regency Council agree to Ainz terms. Additionally he requests for an armor to be made for a lizardman subject. He tasks the Forgemaster to create it giving material.
- Later Gondo gathers the runesmiths at his home, using alcohol to bribe them. Ainz appears to speak about his proposal to gather runesmiths to his country.
- Using a rune-etched sword, Ainz motivates the runesmiths to take the challenge to create runecraft items of similar make.
Character Appearance[]
In Order of Appearance[]
- Gondo Firebeard
- Forgemaster
- Director of Food Production
- High Priest of Earth
- Commander-in-Chief
- Master of Caves and Mines
- Merchant's Guildmaster
- Brewmaster
- Cabinet Secretary
- Zenberu Gugu
- Aura Bella Fiora
- Ainz Ooal Gown
- Shalltear Bloodfallen
- Herohero (Cameo)
- Magic Craftsman (Cameo)
Abilities Used[]
No abilities were used during this chapter.
Known Locations[]
- Dwarf Kingdom
- Feo Jera
- Feo Jera's Garrison (Flashback)
Chapter Notes[]
- The first part of the chapter was released with 10 pages.
- The second part of the chapter was released on October 8, 2025 with 14 pages.
- The third part of the chapter was released on October 8, 2025 with 16 pages.
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| New World Special Chapters | |