Overlord but I can summon

Word count: 3100 words

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Meliodas was already back to his mansion in Baharuth Empire, teleportation sure makes things a lot easier.

He had time to visit the capital and drink in one of the high-end bars until he passed out, Makima brought him back home to rest.

The next day, A lazy breeze woke him up as it rustled the edges of the silk drapes.

Meliodas stirred beneath the covers, blinking slowly as morning warmth met his face. He yawned and stretched out, scratching his hair while walking lazily toward the window in nothing but black trousers.

As he parted the curtain with one hand, his lazy expression sharpened.

Outside, a royal black-and-gold carriage gleamed in the morning sun. It stood proudly in front of the mansion's gate, guarded by a procession of Imperial Knights, their crimson and silver armor forming a gleaming wall of silent discipline.

Meliodas's gaze narrowed ever so slightly.

'Didn't expect him this fast…'

When he laid eyes on the crest embroidered on the royal flags, he knew exactly who it was. Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix, the Emperor of the Baharuth Empire himself.

Meliodas smirked. 'He really couldn't wait… either he's desperate, curious… or afraid.'

A knock tapped gently at the door. Without waiting for a reply, Rem entered, her usual polite composure in place, her maid uniform crisp and pressed. She bowed lightly.

"Master," she said. "The Emperor of Baharuth is here, just as you saw. Makima-sama is receiving him and his men in the courtyard for now. I am here to prepare you."

Meliodas nodded as he walked back to the bed, sitting down lazily. "According to Makima, he was expected this week, but not the day after sending back his messenger. It seems… he was quite eager."

Rem walked to the wardrobe without responding. She began selecting a formal outfit, a deep obsidian coat with crimson trim, matching gloves, and silver buttons engraved with the sigil of the Chains. She approached him with a soft but firm tone.

"Please stand still, Master. This is a formal visit, presentation matters."

He rolled his eyes but complied. "Yes, yes. Let the dressing begin."

With practiced hands, Rem adjusted his shirt, fastened his coat, combed through his messy dark brown hair, and even adjusted the slight wrinkle in his collar with delicate care.

Though she didn't show it, there was a faint satisfaction in preparing him. It was her way of being useful. Her way of standing beside him.

When she finished, she took a small step back and nodded. "You're ready."

Meliodas glanced at his reflection in the long mirror and gave himself a wink. "Damn, I look like trouble."

"More than usual," Rem answered dryly, though the smallest smile betrayed her fondness.

Meliodas left the room, Rem walking a step behind him. As they descended the stairs, the distant sound of polite conversation reached their ears, Makima's soft, commanding voice.

Under the morning sun, the Obsidian Chains courtyard had been arranged for a royal reception. A table had been placed with refreshments. Standing there, emanating both grace and pressure, was Makima. Dressed in her sleek black uniform, her posture perfect, her eyes unreadable.

Facing her, with his back straight and chin high, stood the Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix. He was surrounded by four Imperial Knights, their golden cloaks fluttering lightly in the breeze, hands resting near their hilts, always ready.

Makima was exchanging light pleasantries, keeping the emperor engaged as she waited for her master.

"…and I hope the travel was smooth, Your Majesty," Makima said, her tone pleasant but carefully measured.

Jircniv smiled, though faintly. "Indeed, Makima-san. Your master runs an... efficient operation. This mansion is well-guarded."

Makima tilted her head slightly. "Thank you. We take the security of the Obsidian Chains seriously."

Just as Jircniv was about to respond, the sound of approaching footsteps reached their ears. All heads turned.

Meliodas walked into the courtyard, flanked by Rem. His smile was relaxed, his pace casual like he had all the time in the world. His aura was deceptively calm.

Makima turned slightly and gave him a small nod. "Master." Then she proceeded to stand up, giving her spot to her lord to sit.

Jircniv's gaze locked onto Meliodas and his eyes widened ever so slightly.

He remembered.

He remembered everything.

The man before him was no stranger. He was the very same man who had appeared unannounced in the imperial court, 36 days ago, without warning.

At that time, Jircniv had nearly ordered his immediate execution, thinking he was some kind of high-level assassin or spy.

And now… he was standing here, revealed as the Headmaster of the Obsidian Chains.

Jircniv's breath caught for just a moment. But he gathered himself swiftly he was an emperor, after all. He couldn't afford to look shaken. He stepped forward and extended a hand.

"Meliodas-dono," he said smoothly. "It is an honor to meet you formally."

Meliodas caught the flicker of shock that had crossed his face a moment earlier and smiled wider.

'So you do remember me…'

He took the emperor's hand in a loose but firm grip. "The honor's mine, Your Majesty. Glad you could stop by so quickly."

Their hands separated.

"I thought our discussion would be in a few days," Meliodas added, feigning mild surprise. "But you're here already."

Jircniv chuckled, though it was a calculated move to hide his earlier reaction. "Matters of importance wait for no one, especially not curiosity. I was eager to meet the man who commands so much potential."

The way he said the word 'potential' carried layers of meaning.

Meliodas tilted his head. "Curiosity, huh? I suppose it's only natural. Obsidian Chains did appear out of nowhere, and the Headmaster's a mysterious little guy who crashes into castles."

Jircniv froze for a heartbeat. 'He knows I remember.'

But again, he didn't let it show.

Makima smiled softly behind them, pleased at the subtle tension. Like a cat watching two foxes circle each other.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Knights remained alert, scanning the surroundings, not trusting the strange aura around the unnerving calm of Makima.

Rem watched them closely, her eyes scanning their formation with silent precision.

Meliodas finally broke the tension. "Well then, shall we head inside, Your Majesty? Let's talk properly."

Jircniv gave a nod, his expression calm but his thoughts racing. Everyone walked to a long table prepared for this occasion.

Meliodas sat at the head of the table, legs crossed, back relaxed against the high-backed chair. His black hair was slightly tousled from how casually he leaned.

Jircniv sat upright on the other end, composed, regal, and sharp-eyed. His crimson robe embroidered with the imperial eagle shimmered in the room's low lighting. Flanked by the four Imperial Knights behind him, he looked every bit the calculating ruler of a vast empire.

Makima stood silently behind Meliodas, arms crossed, calm and collected like a predator waiting for a reason to act. On the other side of the room, Rem quietly poured tea for the two important figures, watching the Emperor's men with subtle precision.

Silence lingered for a few seconds until Meliodas finally leaned forward slightly.

"Alright," he said casually, breaking the ice. "You came all this way. Let's skip the formalities."

Jircniv raised a brow.

"Tell me exactly what you want from us. In your own words. Right here, in front of me."

For a moment, Jircniv said nothing. Then, he gave a short, controlled nod, as if to say 'Very well, let's play it your way'. He placed both hands on the table and began to speak.

His voice was calm, clear, and practiced.

"The Angelia Mountains are rich in natural resources minerals, magical ores, rare herbs, enchanted beast nests, and most recently, reports of ancient ruins containing lost technology or artifacts. However, they are also dangerously unstable. High-tier monsters, unpredictable terrain, and magical storms plague the region."

He paused to sip his tea, eyes never leaving Meliodas.

"I am officially commissioning Obsidian Chains to clear out the Angelia Mountains. Map out the terrain, assess the major threats, and secure the ruins."

He continued, his tone sharper now. "In return, the Baharuth Empire is willing to pay a high premium, gold, enchanted weapons, access to some of our mage infrastructure, and grant your organization temporary operating rights in the region under imperial protection. This mission will be under the imperial flag."

Meliodas let him finish without interruption. He even looked amused the whole time.

But once Jircniv was done, the atmosphere changed slightly.

Meliodas uncrossed his legs, leaned forward, and rested his elbow on the table, cheek in palm. His smile stayed, but his gaze turned coldly analytical.

"So, to summarize," Meliodas said, "you want us to risk our necks exploring one of the most dangerous regions in this part of the world… hand over anything we find… and let you slap your little flag on it while we work."

He paused, then added with a grin, "Did I get that right?"

Jircniv didn't react. He expected this.

But Meliodas wasn't finished.

"Let's address the first problem. The Angelia Mountains border both the Baharuth Empire and the Re-Estize Kingdom. Which means, technically, they belong to both countries."

Meliodas paused to breathe then continued. "Yet, here you are, handing out commissions like you own the whole thing."

That comment made one of the imperial knights twitch slightly behind Jircniv. But the emperor himself smiled faintly.

'Exactly as expected,' Jircniv thought. 'He's smarter than he looks. But I didn't come unprepared.'

This entire mission is about more than minerals or ruins.

It's a calculated maneuver, layered with intent.

'First, I needed to test their allegiance. Do the Obsidian Chains favor Re-Estize? Or are they truly independent? If they decline because of Re-Estize's claim on the mountains… I'll know they're politically tied.' The emperor's thoughts continued.

'Second… I wanted to understand if this organization behaves like the Adventurer's Guild. That is, neutral and mercenary, not interfering with national politics. If they treat this like any other job, that tells me they're for hire.'

'And third… I want to test their strength. The Angelia Mountains are hell on earth. Even Adamantite adventurers avoid them. If Obsidian Chains accepts and survives… then I'll know what I'm dealing with.

Everything is planned. Everything is proceeding as I want.'

Jircniv after his brainstorm spoke again, voice slow and calm. "You're right. The Angelia Mountains sit on disputed territory. But I've always believed that the one who takes the first step gets the first claim. Re-Estize hasn't done anything."

Meliodas nodded slowly. "That's an imperial way of saying 'finder's keepers.'"

Jircniv gave a faint chuckle. "Something like that."

Then Meliodas leaned back, placing one boot casually over the other knee. "Well, there's no use dancing around it. Let's speak truths."

He met Jircniv's eyes directly, smile widening. "You believe we're mercenaries. That Obsidian Chains runs on money, not morals."

Jircniv didn't blink. "That's correct," he said simply. "And isn't it true?"

A long pause. Everyone in the room went quiet.

Then Meliodas laughed, a soft, genuine sound. "You're not wrong," he said, resting an elbow on the armrest. "As long as you can pay the right price, we'll do anything."

Makima smiled slightly behind him. Rem tilted her head with a calm blink.

Jircniv's eyes narrowed slightly. 'Then they're exactly what I need them to be…'

The atmosphere in the room shifted.

What had begun as a mission negotioation cloaked in noble intent was now clearly exposed for what it truly was, a battle of will, money, power and politics.

Meliodas leaned back in his seat, his expression calm, but there was a subtle coldness in his purple eyes now. His next words were devoid of humor.

"One last thing, Jircniv," he said, voice heavier than before. "We need to talk about payment."

Jircniv straightened, just slightly.

Meliodas tilted his head. "A hundred and fifty thousand golden coins…" A pause. The silence grew. "…Is that supposed to be a joke?"

Even the imperial knights behind the emperor shifted uncomfortably.

Jircniv gave an awkward, tight-lipped smile. "Well, that is precisely why I am here today. To negotiate terms directly."

Meliodas gestured behind him. "When it comes to negotiation, you'll speak to Makima."

He gave her a nod without even looking back. "She'll handle it from here."

Makima took one step forward. Calm. Confident. Her hands behind her back.

Her gaze met Jircniv's—and something silent, cold, and terrifying passed between them.

Jircniv felt a subtle, invisible pressure as if the air thickened. Even with his high mental resistance and years of dealing with political monsters in human skin, there was something uniquely terrifying about this gold-eyed woman in a suit.

She smiled.

"Let's begin."

Jircniv folded his hands together on the table.

Makima remained standing, the very picture of dominance.

He began.

"The amount I offered was simply the beginning of the conversation. One hundred and fifty thousand gold is already a sum greater than what I would pay any Adventurer's Guild for a similar task..."

Makima interrupted, voice smooth and precise.

"Obsidian Chains is not an Adventurer's Guild. If we were, we would charge ten times your offer, because this is ten times more dangerous. But we're not. We are a private organization. You want exploration, monster extermination, magical terrain analysis, and territorial securing. That's four jobs in one."

She walked slowly along the side of the table, heels echoing in the room. Her tone didn't change, but her words hit like blades.

"Not to mention, you want exclusive imperial ownership over the territory. Meaning, if we find something that could change the balance of the continent, we're supposed to just hand it over."

She stopped right across from him.

"Tell me, Your Majesty. If you were me, would you agree to this?"

Jircniv met her gaze. He was silent for a long moment.

'She's good… I expected someone shrewd. But she's weaponized tact.'

"I wouldn't," he admitted honestly. "But I would also never enter a deal I couldn't later control."

Makima's eyes sharpened at that, but her smile stayed intact. "Then let's make a deal you can't control, but you can live with."

She raised a hand and spoke with cold precision.

"Two million golden coins."

The room froze.

One of the knights inhaled sharply.

Jircniv's eye twitched, just barely. His political mask cracked for a second.

"That's outrageous," he said with a scoff. "Two million? That's nearly one-tenth of my treasury's annual budget."

Makima responded smoothly.

"You're not paying for a mission. You're paying for assurance. That your empire won't suffer a destabilizing artifact falling into Re-Estize's hands. That your enemies don't hear whispers of a failed exploration mission. That you don't wake up to learn an unknown power now dwells in the Angelia Mountains, answering to no one but itself."

She leaned slightly forward.

"You're not paying for a mission, Your Majesty. You're paying for control of the narrative."

Jircniv clenched his jaw slightly.

'She's pushing me into a corner. But I can't show weakness.'

"Half a million," he offered. "And I will allow a fifteen-year operating license for Obsidian Chains in select regions of the Empire."

Makima shook her head once. Calm. Like she was dealing with a child who didn't understand math.

"One million," she said. "And we choose the regions. Not you."

Jircniv narrowed his eyes. "You will not dictate imperial borders."

Makima gave a soft chuckle. "No. But we will dictate where we're willing to work. You want us in the Angelia Mountains? That will require not just money, but mobility. We need access through imperial lands. Safe zones. Storage hubs. Trade routes."

She turned, walking slowly toward the window, then looked back at him.

"We want full operational access to all border towns near the Angelia range, tax-free, for ten years. We also want unrestricted trade rights through the Baharuth Empire for our caravans and clients."

Jircniv's thoughts darkened.

'Unrestricted trade? They want a logistical foothold in my empire. This isn't a negotiation anymore. It's a hostile takeover under a pretty smile.'

Still, he smiled back. "Unrestricted trade rights… That's not part of the original deal."

Makima tilted her head. "That's because you came with a bad deal."

She walked back to the table, finally sitting across from him, next to Meliodas, crossing one leg over the other.

"Your Majesty, I understand your position. But here's mine, you're asking us to gamble with lives. On unknown terrain. Against unknown forces. For a prize you don't even fully understand."

She tapped the table gently.

"In exchange, you'll give us enough to recover our dead and move on? That's not a deal. That's an insult."

Jircniv held her gaze. Both of them still. Neither blinking.

"…Seven hundred thousand," he said at last.

Makima smiled. Not wide. Not satisfied. Just… expectant.

"One million," she repeated. "And Obsidian Chains gets to keep 10% of minerals and 10% of magical ores."

"And what do I get?" Jircniv asked.

Makima didn't even flinch. "You get everything else, the Angelia Mountains, cleaned, mapped, and secured. You get your empire's flag on the front page of every story that follows. You get to say you were the one who tamed the untamable."

Jircniv exhaled deeply, lips tightening.

Then, after a long silence, he nodded once. "Very well."

Makima nodded back.

"Then we have a deal."

Upon accepting the deal, Meliodas immediately received a system mission. He looked at it for a few seconds to make sure.

[Complete the mission you received FROM THE EMPEROR]

[Reward: C-rank sumon] 

[Punishement: No more transactions with JIRCNIV EL-NIX]

Meliodas clapped slowly, still leaning back.

"See?" he said with a smirk. "Told you she's better at this than me."

Jircniv forced a smile, but in his heart, he knew something unsettling had happened.

He didn't just negotiate with an organization.

He negotiated with a woman who walked into his kingdom, tied it to a leash, and smiled while doing it.

Makima stood up. "We'll begin preparations immediately. Expect our forward scouts within the next ten days."

She turned and walked toward the exit.

Jircniv remained still, and for the first time in a long time… He didn't feel like an emperor.

He felt like a man who had just made a deal with the devil in golden eyes.

TO BE CONTINUED --->

Hey everyone! Author here.

If you've got an anime character you'd love to see summoned into the story, feel free to drop your suggestions, including which character you'd like to see and what rank you think they deserve. Your input might just shape the next events in the story!

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