Overlord IV Episode 3: Baharuth Empire

Ainz Ooal Gown sees Albedo off on a diplomatic mission, expressing deep, if awkward, concern for her safety. He warns her against unknown enemies, insisting she keep her powerful World Item close. Albedo, touched by his worry, uses the moment to suggest a 'preventative medicine' – a kiss – to boost her immune system. Caught off guard, Ainz delivers a chaste peck on her cheek, leaving Albedo in a state of tearful, overwhelming ecstasy as her carriage departs.

In their high-domed chamber, the six Cardinals of the Slane Theocracy confront the burgeoning threat of the Sorcerer Kingdom. They discuss the devastation at Katze Plains, where Ainz's mastery of high-tier magic and his legions of Death Knights overwhelmed the Re-Estize Kingdom. The sheer number of legendary undead under Ainz's command defies their understanding, making their own secret elite forces seem inadequate. They grapple with the terrifying possibility that Emperor Jircniv of Baharuth has willingly aligned with this undead menace.

The council continues its deliberations, drawing unsettling parallels to historical appearances of god-like beings every two centuries. They fear a conspiracy connecting Ainz to Jaldabaoth and the vampire Honyopenyoko. Recognizing the Re-Estize Kingdom's collapse as a buffer state due to corruption, the Cardinals conclude a radical shift is needed. An alliance with, or even annexation of, the Baharuth Empire becomes their desperate strategy to contain Ainz's expansion.

Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix paces his private chambers in Arwintar, consumed by stress and a chilling paranoia. He feels Ainz's omnipresent gaze, convinced every move he makes is preempted by the Sorcerer King. His internal monologue is a torrent of fear, lamenting that Ainz's mere existence suffocates his empire and distorts his carefully laid plans. Jircniv determines a secret meeting at the public colosseum is his only option, hoping the noise and crowd will shield his treasonous talks.

Jircniv travels to the grand colosseum, heavily guarded and accompanied by his loyal knight, Baziwood Peshmel. He meets with the Silver Canary, an Adamantite-ranked adventurer team hired for extra security. Their leader, Freivartz, introduces his eccentric team members, maintaining professionalism despite the weighty political context. Jircniv places a fragile hope in these unaligned adventurers, believing their neutrality might offer a genuine layer of protection during his sensitive meeting with the Theocracy.

From his imperial box, Jircniv feigns interest in the brutal gladiatorial combat, his gaze sweeping the cheering crowds with bitter cynicism. He reflects on their blissful ignorance, blind to the true monsters of political power and the precarious state of their empire. His secretary confirms magic detection measures are active and the Slane Theocracy's delegates are en route. Jircniv remains acutely alert, searching for any sign of Ainz's spies or interference in the cacophony below.

The high priests of the Slane Theocracy arrive in the VIP room, their identities obscured by robes. Jircniv swiftly slips them a secret letter, containing a formal request for an alliance and critical questions about the Sorcerer Kingdom. The air is thick with suspicion; neither side fully trusts the other, despite their shared, overwhelming fear of Ainz. The exchange is rushed, driven by the urgency to conclude before the day's main event begins.

The arena announcer's voice booms, introducing a shocking surprise challenger: Ainz Ooal Gown himself. Jircniv and the Theocracy's priests freeze in utter horror, the priests immediately suspecting Jircniv of orchestrating a trap. Ainz calmly flies to the imperial box, greeting Jircniv as a 'friend,' completely destroying any pretense of secrecy. The Slane Theocracy delegates flee in terror, leaving Jircniv to confront the terrifying realization that Ainz had predicted his every move.

With the Theocracy leaders gone, Jircniv descends into a near-maniacal breakdown, watching from his box as Ainz prepares to face Buroo, the Warrior King. All hope of a secret alliance is shattered, replaced by a desperate, deranged plea. Jircniv screams encouragement at Buroo, clinging to the impossible hope that this Warrior King could slay the undead monarch. Ainz, poised and composed in the ring, remains utterly oblivious to the profound chaos he has wrought in Jircniv's mind.