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The Dark Overlord lied on his bed, covered in bandages and stretches, so he could recover his endeavor with the Chicant Queen. At first, he and Gnarl had feared that being in this state, people would question his position as their ruler. However the tales of the battle against the Chicants, and how he had drawn the attention and took the deadly blows of the queen, which was made bigger and more monstrous in the stories, impressed the people, as it convinced them that their ruler was ready to put himself in the line to defend those under his rule. As result the people he controlled were more than happy to have such a ruler above them and those working for him directly even put more eagerness into their work. It was a sudden boost in productivity and the quality increased as well.

Of course, the Scout which had shown the way and survived the adventure got his promotion of being a captain of the Overlords Scouts. In fact, he was the first one and had also the task to make a working troop of scouts. A job he accepted with a big grin.

The Chicant Queen baby, which had now the name of Alexandra, were under the care of his mistress right now and he had ordered the hive to move to the village, which was once used by bandits. From its position the Chicant could build up their new nest without threatening any village or town within their reach, as they won't cross a river that is between them and a town. At least until they understood the concept of bridges. Which might happen sooner or later as the Overlord has plans to raise them in their rather primitive state of minds. They had the capability to be more, that much he already understood. And while they will be a project taking years, he was sure the payout was worth it... especially as he could use them to get faster into other Chicant nests. The idea was simple: Get in, kill the queens, nap anything that isn't a grown Chicant and bring it back to the own nest whenever a non controlled hive appears. And of course, somehow taking control or kill the remaining Chicants. Good in theory... in praxis it would take a while before they could even realize it on a newly nest due the fact that until the Hive was at a decent size, they need backup from the troops. And even with the boost gained by the killings of many Chicants, he could not hope to win any big battles with what he has available. Also, the bug breeding program may have started to make the first few bugs ready to the squished, the grow rate of the Minions was in single digit rate. Adding to it Laurent had stated, while he made interesting discoveries, which allowed to increase the reach of the Gauntlets magic for extraction, f. e. that anything killed in the floor where the Overlord is currently in produce live force, as long it is big enough of course, but still needed to be brought to the Gauntlet.

Given on how many rats are still running around, he found it sad do a degree that they are too small for life force. By the amount that were killed since he took the job, he would surely have decent boost in numbers.

While he was bedridden, he took most of the time planning his next moves and makes decisions any requests and questions coming from the people.

One of the things thought he ordered after two weeks is to make a wheelchair, in which he could sit once he was healed enough to do so. While this was in underway, he also thought about how to make up the loss of training, and of course expand his kingdom. Gnarl has suggested that he should go directly to the king and take his throne, but the Overlord refused with the simple reason that such a takeover might trigger heroes and they had to deal with numbers for which they couldn't hold a candle right now.

Gnarl accepted that with loud mumbles but welcomed the intention of the Overlord to go and claim the port town of Seaburn. Its harbor is the largest of the kingdom, and taking control of it would allow the Overlord to take control of the sea trade operations of the kingdom, moving the money and goods to his own stores and pocket.

The only problem with that is that, due its importance it was very well guarded. But since the town was oversaw as a single town land within the kingdom, the Overlord had not to worry about taking the surrounding land first. But still, the land way to the town would make him pass through two different territories within the kingdom. So, the better way was to come from the sea way, establish a base and take it from within. The Overlord had a small harbor, mostly used for fishing and very little trade in his territory. As much as he would like to move in by himself, he would be still here in bed for more weeks. Followed by training to regain his strength. It would cost him simply too much time to wait until he is fit again. For that matter he wants somebody he could trust within the city to set up the base and find out how to take the city over, without upsetting anybody or give reason to start a battle with him. The overlord knew he cannot send minions for the task. First and most obvious they are too stupid for something like that. Second and also obvious they would be recognized as what they were... and he doesn't know his reputation outside his territory. Something he has to change in the near future.

So, he had to use one of his subjects. But most of them weren't the smartest or bravest on the bunch and would betray him on a hunch if their own lives are in danger or bribed... and aside from Isota and some soldiers he doesn't know who he could trust. His mistress is too well known to be send... and he isn't really content to send her into something dangerous, and his soldiers... they are soldiers. No spies.

Also, either he finds somebody he can trust, what is unlikely, or he hires a spy or thief and hopes they wouldn't betray him. The first possibility unlikely and the second option... hold rather disturbing trains of thought.

Then Isota came in and laid down on to his side, stroking his chest carefully "Is something wrong my beloved one?"

"Yeah" told the Overlord "I am at a dilemma. I need somebody to go into Seaburn and infiltrate the city to build a base for my conquer. But... I have nobody who I can either trust to be either loyal or intelligent enough for it."

"So, you are stuck in hiring somebody?" asks the mistress

The overlord nodded "Yeah... and I am not very comfortable with the thought of hiring somebody."

"Sometimes you have to do something you are not comfortable with... perhaps Gnarl holds some answers?" suggested his girl

The Overlord raised an eyebrow, as he didn't thought of it since... Gnarl always seems to prefer a rather direct method. Anyway, he wouldn't lose anything if he asks this stone old minion. And he called for his minions to get Gnarl. And the old advisor came and asks "How can I be at your service, my liege?"

"Do you happen to have connections that might help us in our task regarding taking over Seaburn?" Asks the Overlord "I mean a spy or thief who can collect information and perhaps do tasks that prepares the city being taken over... In a way where everybody has to accept, I was moving within the rights I got as the duchess husband."

"Quite a question, my liege, indeed connection exist. But if still responding to me, that I cannot tell. Going to try and reach them I will. Any restrictions who I ask to enter into your service?" Wondered Gnarl.

"As long people won't make the connection towards me if they capture the one, we go to hire, or won't betray us at any point, I care little." Told the Overlord "But take in mind how our current agenda is outlined."

Gnarl nodded "Of course my liege!" Told Gnarl before retreating. Personally, he wasn't eager to hire anybody. Also, he was disliking that even some of these puny humans were in service of the Overlord. Humans are used best for money or life force. Also, that the Overlord wasn't able to fight currently is not something the is quite happy. And the Netherhearts magic unable to heal that instantly only proves what Gnarl had been suspecting. But without having access to the requirements to fix that, Gnarl was stuck with either wait for the recovery or cut losses and replace the Overlord. While the latter choice was tempting, Gnarl knew that the current Overlord still got a lot of potential, and all moves have proven to be effective. While the Chicant dilemma was a drawback in terms of advance speed, having more hands which are loyal to the Overlord and cut the numbers of minions necessary in the tower, which in turn also increased the fighting ability in turn. No complains here and Gnarl had to admit... The careful, if not so evil approach gave them one advantage: No heroes are called for help!

The heroes which defeated the previous Overlord are mostly still active. Corrupt but not yet degenerated like the heroes taken care by the third Overlord. Normally Gnarl would have waited some time longer before finding a new Overlord, but this fallen hero was a perfect candidate and he would have been a fool not to try and get him. The resources spend to keep him alive and patched up, made Gnarl question this decision at times... but the following results gave him reasons to believe that it will pay out. But only if he had the patience to let the Overlord handle things at his speed.

As the old Minion walked down the halls and stairs of the tower, he was in deep thought... The minions were raising in numbers, but not ready for a full out attack. Or for the resulting war. But if the current Overlords agenda plan plays out... Then wars would be a child play at the end. As the reaches the throne room, with the nethergate system, the minion master briefly wondered if here was another force influencing the events... A few things didn't add up but as they lack the means to cover his questions, he concentrate on the task at hand: Getting a helping hand to further the Overlords plans. Then Gnarl grinned as he had a certain thought running in his mind... Why... Why not changing the Overlords plans slightly... Just enough that the master would question it, but accepts it for a welcome advance, as it fits to the agenda. If this plays out, then their rise of control would be able to catch up the lost time. And the Overlord should be able to find the missing hives along the way and ready him of taking care the heroes... One by one, until the Overlord stands supreme over all other.

Gnarl laughed in a very evil way before moving on the gate, letting it transport where he would need to go for the contacts...

Isota Mautilda Ancret, first and currently only mistress of the Dark Overlord laid with very light clothes, which reveals a lot of her skin laid next on the bed of her master, stroking his chest while watching out not to hurt him...

She let a sign... since she was a child, she was raised to be a potential mistress. While during the reign of the fifth Overlord she refused to take her role, despite the pressure from her parents. The two died just two years before the fifth were killed... and as she learned about the appearance of the sixth, she was tempted to rally her guards and ask for help to crush him. But as she was in incognito in a town that was visited by a strange but well looking stranger. She was instantly drawn to him. And as she later saw the overlord the first time, she was frozen. Frozen in the fear of what he might do to her if he found out who she was. But something in his movements was quite familiar for her... but she couldn't tell it right away.

And as later it became clear she would have to expect his appearance. Especially due the fact that shortly after the fall of the Overlord, as the kings troops raided the tower, gave her the red hive for safe keeping. Uncomfortably some of them escaped her, which of course set the Overlord on her sights. So, in defeat she went to life out her legacy... but originally had planned once the Overlord would have let down his defense, she would have killed him with either poison or a dagger. But his reactions as he saw her... and later as she saw his real face... it let her pause her plan, going to see how it would work. And the life as mistress was from advantage for her. And she took quite a liking in him. Especially as she was with him in bed.

True she was paying Laurent for work... but he was hired by her parents, and she had planned to fire him... but he made quite the discoveries even it wasn't in the field he was paid he researched for. So, she kept him. Which was one of the advantages she brought for him.

And if the plans she made afterwards plays out... she will have a comfortable, long and happy life. Thought one of the factors for her plan was to find her distant cousins. While it was true in the chaos after the third here was a manhunt after the children. But the three mistresses had plans regarding their children and what to do, to ensure that at least one of their offspring were either on the throne or at the thrones side. And the family stories tell that more than one child had survived the hunt. Also, that the three mistresses somehow managed to agree on the roles of their offspring... if they survive somehow.

She was aware of at least one cousin... but she didn't know form which of the three mistresses or what his role was. She was a descendant of Juno, tasked to provide the Overlord with so many riches, territory and goods as possible upon joining him. And of course, find ways to keep the gold accounts well filled.

Of Kelda and Fay... she had no clue what roles their descendants were supposed to fill but she intends to find out, by contacting this far away cousin... for that she needs to view the family archive thought but in them a clue should exit and of course a way to identify with themselves. Thought that had to wait for now as she was paying her attention towards her master.

Speaking of descendants and offspring... the mistress had mixed feelings of the... adopted daughter of the Overlord, the young Chicant queen Alexandra. While she can understand his decision and is happy to help him raise a child already, she is a bit put off because... of raising a giant insect like a child. She is pretty sure later a lot of problems would raise in this question. Especially when she bears any children to him. Thought when this will be... that is a question they won't be able to answer right now. They had their times, but the Overlord was busy a lot of time and she wasn't showing any signs yet. And his current state isn't helping either, but she will work forward it.

And, now that she is thinking of it... perhaps she can call upon a few favors she had granted on fellow duchess to give her beloved one some advantages, not knowing of the plans of the Minion Master Gnarl.