//------------------------------// // Book 1 Part 3 // Story: Overlord Equestria Book 1 // by Kaliann25 //------------------------------// Overlord Equestria Book 1: Infiltration (part 3) Soon after the meeting with the Princesses, Cleaning Miracle started ‘training’ her new friend Nabel. The young pony proved to be an excellent maid. Always working hard, doing her best to not to be noticed unless she was called directly. As a good maid should be. The Princess always congratulated Cleaning Miracle for training Nabel so well, but she assured it has nothing to do with her. She explained countless times that Nabel was already a good maid, and only needed a confidence boost. And, in the matter of days, Nabel was as skillful as any other maid in the castle. There were no incidents worthy of mention with Nabel. The only thing was that one day, Princess Luna get inside her room, only to find the diligent Nabel. She was dusting the shelves with the efficiency only the most experienced maids had. But, as Nabel was fast, she was also very careful. “Ehem!” called Luna, with a pleased smile. Nabel shrieked, and hurried to bow respectfully. “I’m so sorry, Your Highness! I didn’t know you were coming this early… I… I should clean this faster. A good maid shouldn’t be noticed.” Luna made a small nod to the nervous little pony. “Don’t worry about it, young one. Why don’t you relax, huh?” “Is just that I…!” Luna put a hoof on her shoulder, and smiled to her. “It’s alright, really. I just forgot something, and only came to get it. Ignore me, alright?” But Nabel was too nervous to say anything. Knowing all she had been through, Luna simply changed the subject. “So, Nabel, I’m surprised that Cleaning let you clean our rooms.” “Cleaning Miracle told me I was ready, that my skills were up to the expectations of a castle maid. I only needed confidence, and I would probably get some by doing a good job cleaning personally for you, and your sister!” explained Nabel, a too little fast, but Luna understood. “I see. Cleaning Miracle is an admirable pony. Not only she survived to a terrifying experience, but managed to save you. I’ll tell her how much of a good job you’re doing, alright? Now, relax, don’t let your nervousness to interfere with your work.” “Yes, Princess Luna!” The Princess smile to Nabel one last time, and grabbed the scroll she left, and exited the room, letting the maid do her job. When Nabel heard Luna was far enough, she made a disgusted frown. “Having to bow before someone who isn’t the Supreme One, tcht! But, take it easy, soon enough they’ll be the ones bowing before Lord Ainz.” Said that, she finished with Luna’s room, just in time for her coffee break. After a quick drink, she spent most of it in the library. Narberal’s mission went far than just infiltrating, and gaining the Princesses’ confidence. She had to gather as much information as possible. Anything Demiurge could use when the negotiations begin. Thanks to an item she borrowed from her Lord, Narberal had no problem with the ponies’ written language. Also, Cleaning Miracle did her best to help her, by preparing beforehand only the relevant information. It had been useful, yes, but it wasn’t nearly enough for the purposes of Lord Ainz. “You seem a bit down, Lady Narberal!” said Cleaning Miracle, one day after they finished their shifts. “Do you want me to bring you something?” “I’m just thoughtful.” explained Narberal. “This is exactly what you told us in Nazarik, there are only a few documents that talk about the creatures your ancestors created to exterminated humans. The only registers I have about them, are their recent encounters with your newest Princess. And they are always portrayed as the enemies of your race. Not like the allies they once were.” “Yes, I understand your frustration.” sighed Cleaning Miracle. “Only a selected group of ponies, the Princesses’ personal circle, know about the truth of our world. For most of the ponies, Equestria is all that exists. This is how the Princesses make sure their little ponies don’t get out Equestria, and call some unwanted attention. And, not even I, despite I’m part of that circle, have full access to all the documents.” Narberal Gamma nodded, understanding. She had to go through a similar situation back when she was a low-ranked adventurer with Lord Ainz. “At least you have provided us with enough information about the Magic of Friendship and the Power of Harmony. That could be a problem if we don’t act carefully.” Cleaning stayed quiet. She knew that the Magic of Friendship was a form of healing/purification magic. A kind of magic that was especially harmful for the undead. And, Harmony was a kind of Light Magic, also dangerous for them. “I need to get my hands on their personal documents.” said Narberal, finally. “It won’t be easy.” sighed Cleaning. “”They have them on their rooms, protected by really powerful magic. Protection spells that are beyond your capabilities, my Lady.” “I know, I’ve sensed your Princesses power. Those two are stronger than anyone else I’ve met in this world. Luckily, my Lord have borrowed me a couple of crystals with his power sealed inside. More than enough to break their defenses. But we need a strategy to avoid any suspicion from them.” Cleaning prepared to receive new instructions. “What do you have in mind, Lady Narberal?” Narberal Gamma grinned. “I need to get close to Twilight Sparkle, the newest of your Princesses. That would help me to see the Magic of Friendship by first hand, and, to have a solid alibi in the improbable case that my Lord’s magic fails.” “So, you want to become Twilight Sparkle’s maid?” asked Cleaning. “Can you arrange that?” Cleaning Miracle frowned, thoughtful. “It would be complicated, since Princess Twilight refused to have royal servants when she was ascended. But, I think I can convince her, and the Princesses if you let me do the talking, my Lady.” Narberal’s grin grew. “Go ahead. You have proved to be far more capable that I expected. I trust in your loyalty to the Supreme One.” “I will not disappoint you, my Lady.” At the next day, Cleaning Miracle requested an audience with Celestia and Luna. “Cleaning! I’m really surprised about this.” smiled Celestia. “I know this is unusual.” said the maid, smiling nervously. “But I think this is important.” “Of course!” said Luna. “But, before we get into the subject, let us take this chance to congratulate you for your work with Nabel. She have adapted just right. Maybe she is a little too shy for her own good, but it’s a good girl.” Cleaning nodded, smiling respectfully. “Oh, Your Highnesses, precisely, I’ve come to talk about Nabel. Lately, I’ve been noticing that, lately, she’s been extremely dependent on me. Yes, I saved her life, and this was only to be expected, but, I don’t want her to be unable to do anything without my help. She needs to move on her own.” Celiestia and Luna nodded, it had sense. Cleaning took a deep breath, and continued. “That’s why I wanted to ask you if we can move her to another division, so she can learn how to take care of herself all over again. You know, I know Princess Twilight doesn’t want servants, but, maybe she can take Nabel. Only temporarily!” Celestia and Luna exchanged a look. “What do you think, sister?” asked Luna. “Well, if it’s only temporary, and, if we explain her the situation, I don’t think she would object.” thought Celestia. “I’ll write her right away!” And, of course Twilight didn’t mind after she learned about Nabel’s attempt of suicide, and how her new friend Cleaning Miracle was helping her to stand up for herself again, but she was about to become too dependable on her. “Of course, Princess Celestia! I’m always willing to help a pony in need!” smiled Twilight. “And, I hate to admit it, but, I could use some help in the castle. Even with Spike’s and Starlight’s help, it’s a bit complicated when you have to clean.” “Remember, Twilight Sparkle,” said Princess Luna, “the idea is giving Nabel a little challenge, but nothing she can’t handle. She have to learn how to live again.” “Don’t worry Princess Luna! I’ll do my best to help this pony!” assured Twilight. In the meantime, the castle’s maids have organized a small farewell-party for their friend Nabel. In the short time she had been in the castle, Nabel had gained their hearts. Her shyness made her kind of cute. “Don’t forget to write us from time to time. We want to know how you’re doing!” said Cleaning Miracle, hugging Nabel. “I will, thank you, Cleaning.” said Nabel softly. “I will never forget you.” After a group hug, Nabel left in a pagasi-charriot along with Princess Twilight. To Ponyville, her new home. “Thank you for this opportunity, Princess Twilight!” said Nabel, humbly. “I promise I will not disappoint you.” Twilight smiled at her. “Don’t be so formal with me, Nabel. You can call me just Twilight. And, I hope you don’t mind I put you to work right away!” Nabel smiled. “Of course! Just tell me what to do. Cleaning rooms? Dust the library shelves and statues? Just tell me, I am your maid!” Twilight couldn’t help but feel a bit uncomfortable with the idea, but, she tried to convince herself she was doing this to help this pony. Besides, having a maid for a little while won’t hurt. “Is nothing like that. You see, I invited my friends for a tea party. They don’t know about you, yet, and I want them to know you.” Nabel bowed. “Of course Pri… I mean, Twilight. Tea sets are one of my specialties.” They arrived to the Castle, where Nabel met Spike and Starlight. She found herself examining them both, evaluating their potential as future warriors of Nazarik. “Ehem, hi there!” said Spike offering his claw to Nabel. “I’m Spike. You must be Nabel.” She bowed. “Nice to meet you, Spike, personal assistant of Princess Twilight.” She turned to Starlight. “And you must be Starlight Glimmer, her personal student.” “Hi there, Nabel.” greeted Starlight. “I hope we get along fine from now.” “Me too.” said the earth pony. Twilight then turned to Spike. “Now, I know you two are excited to have extra help in here, but this is only a temporary arrangement. I don’t want to any of you take advantage of Nabel.” “We won’t!” assured Starlight and Spike with a laugh. Nabel was ready for work. “Princess twilight, where’s the kitchen? To start with the preparations.” “Oh, don’t worry about that now. Let me show you your room first!” And that was the first day. Twilight’s friends arrived later, and were splendidly attended by Nabel, who once more, proved to be a great maid. At first, of course, they were bemused by the fact that Twilight have hired a maid, but, after explaining them the situation, they understood. And seemed really proud of their friend for volunteering to help a pony in such a bad situation. The only one who was suspicious was Applejack. Something deep inside her was telling her that Nabel wasn’t who she claimed she was. Maybe a changeling, but no, there had to be something else. Something unknown for them. But Applejack preferred to get some proof before accusing Nabel of anything.