Assassination of King Zanac

* Minister of Military Affairs
* Mercenaries

## Outcome

Nobles victoryKing Regent Zanac is killedKingdom-Sorcerer Kingdom negotiations break downThe Sorcerer Kingdom resolves to massacre the Kingdom

**Assassination of King Zanac** was the assassination of the Re-Estize Kingdom's acting King Regent, Prince Zanac, amidst the nation's war with the Sorcerer Kingdom. The assassination was carried out by nobles in a final attempt to avoid a confrontation.

## Background

At a distance away from the capital the Sorcerer Kingdom’s army was sighted. Once the report landed in Zanac Valleon Igana Ryle Vaiself hands the entire army of the Kingdom had mobilized under Zanac's command. The Kingdom’s army established a front against the approaching army from the west. The comprised of levies from the neighbouring nobles, the capital’s militia, and able-bodied men drafted from the refugees created an army of 400,000 men. While the formation of such an army was something worthy of praise and their morale high, the Kingdom was akin to that of a cornered beast. They knew full well of the fate what awaited them and so only had the option to fight. In contrast the Sorcerer Kingdom’s army numbered only 10,000 but unlike the humans simply had confidence in their imminent victory thanks to their ranks possessing beings who could level an army of 200,000 with a single spell. Due to the devastating loss the Kingdom had experienced during the battle of the Katze Plains as well as the current invasion by the Sorcerer Kingdom, not many noblemen who had the skills to command such a large number of soldiers and cavalry were left. In order to compensate, Zanac had appointed the knights under him to commanding positions. Still, the overall chances of their victory against an overwhelming enemy were nil.

## Battle

Despite the previous failure in the attempt to sue for peace with the Sorcerer Kingdom, newly crowned King Zanac still sought a peaceful alternative. He once again entreated an audience with the Sorcerer King, this time on the battlefield. Though he was able to speak with the fearsome undead directly as he failed to convince the Sorcerer King for a peaceful resolve. However, he managed to coax out Ainz's humanity, learning more of Ainz's dream of "happiness" for the citizens of his nations. Zanac came to understand that the undead was more human than he realized; despite being unable to sway Ainz in the slightest, Zanac was at least able to garner a promise of a swift death without lasting pain for himself and his men. Riding back to his camp, he spoke of his conclusions with his Minister of Military Affairs. Seeing now that a battle was inevitable as well as defeat both prepared to meet their ends honorable and with dignity. However, Zanac's remaining guards surrounding his tent were killed by mercenaries hired by several nobles. They entered his tent with the intent to claim his head and become vassals of the Sorcerer King. Zanac had anticipated that things would come to this, he did not blame them as they were only trying to survive. Instead, he blames himself for not being able to empathize with them and unite them under the same banner. Still he did not wish to give up without a fight and goaded the nobles to take his head. None showed any of the courage to do so, and so called on their mercenaries to do the deed.

## Aftermath

A group of cavalry emerged from the Kingdom's camp after Albedo had detected some internal fighting. The group, composed of mercenaries and a few noblemen swiftly reached the Sorcerer Kingdom’s front. Ainz Ooal Gown noticing that Zanac was not among them ordered Albedo to bring them to him. In an audience with the Sorcerer King, the leading noble among them expressed their wish to serve under his reign. To show their commitment, they offered the head of Zanac. Accepting the head, due to having grown to respect the King Regent from their short talk, Ainz ordered his subordinates to give him a proper burial.

Contrary to what the nobles intended, their assassination of their King only angered Ainz, though he skillfully hid his fury. After confirming that Zanac's armor was still intact, Ainz promised to "reward" the noblemen for their efforts. When they asked the same be extended to their families Ainz agreed to it without objection and decided to send them to Neuronist Painkill. After the conspirators were led away, Ainz ordered Aura to ensure that none be given a merciful death, and to painfully prolong the deaths for anyone who begged to be put out of their misery.

Zanac's assassination by his people effectively erased the last remaining bit of pity Ainz had for the Kingdom. He thus ordered Cocyutus and Mare to assume command and massacre of every territory that hadn't already surrendered. As a result, by the time the conflict was over, 90% of the Kingdom population had been killed.

## References

1. ↑ *Overlord Volume 14 Chapter 3: The Last King*
2. ↑ *Overlord Volume 14 Chapter 4: Well-Prepared Traps*