Even if They Beg for Death | Overlord IV 

Watch episode 10 here! got.cr/cc-oiv10

Pro-tip: When attempting to swear loyalty to someone, _don't gift them the head of the last person you swore loyalty to._

I like how even Ainz was so disgusted by the nobles betrayal that he gave them a fate worse then death. Rip Zanac the king who never was.

The worst part is that Zanac truly had the potential to be a great king , Ains saw that and respected him for it. Sure, he was going to die anyway, but at least it would have been in battle defending his people the way a ruler should. Instead he was betrayed and cut down. The sole comfort is that the nobles that killed him truly got a fate worse then death.

Fun note: In the novels one of those men said ‘but our families’ and then Ainz had Albedo gather them as well so that they could all go to Neuronist together. Like a family.

Those nobles who betrayed their king don’t realize that they just guaranteed themselves a fate worse than death.

Ainz: "Bury him with respect" Albedo *holds the prince head with care* Love the little detail there since we know albedo despises humans.

Ainz can be a benevolent or a very cruel boss, perfectly balanced, although he has a very particular way of having fun.

"Shame on the house of Ptolemies for such barbarity." "But... you are enemies?" "HE WAS A CONSUL OF ROME!" Pure Caesar energy in this scene

I love how he gave them 3 strikes. First strike was coming to him in the first place when Zanac told them there was no chance of surrender. Zanac who risked his life to speak to Ainz for a possible peaceful resolution and even when turned down, still choose to come back to camp to fight for his kingdom. However even Ainz could understand the feeling of self preservation which posed his first question. Strike two leaving the armor Zanac was wearing at the camp. So the King's head was worth trading for their lives but the kingdom's most treasured set of armor was too valuable? Third strike, none of them wished for the safety of their citizens but instead prioritized their own safety or their family. Welcome to Nazarick foolish nobles. Enjoy your stay.

My favorite part of this scene is probably the guardians; they were visibly confused at the situation, and Ainz's decisions, until he mentioned Neuronist.

Lizardmen: Set aside their rivalries and politics to face an enemy united. The Empire: Abandoned politics and remained on the Sorcerer's kingdom good side. The Kingdom: Played politics and backstabbed the Sorcerer kingdom and each other till the very end.

I’m shaking and in shock. This scene was nothing but truly disturbing. I got spoiled and I knew Zanac wasn’t going to see the next day. But I would NEVER imagine to be by the hands of his own men. He even said he didn’t want it to be on the battlefield because of his lack of skill, but he knew his responsibility as next King and wanted to fulfill it nonetheless on his own free will. Only in the end to be betrayed by the people he was suppose to protect. Ains reaction looked more like: “I’m truly disappointed and All of you disgust me” There is nothing but rotten people here, you get what you f*cking deserved. You may argue that the nobles did what Ains was saying about protecting their own happiness. But there is a difference between protecting it and sacrificing one of your own (specially one who was just doing his best) to save your own skins. Because pay attention the nobles were asking for the protection and safety of their own families. Not the kingdom. Edit: Also the very fact that Zanac was questioning himself if he was worth to be king make him a great one in my eyes already.

When in the light novel Ainz was actually considering calling off the massacre because of zanac just for these guys too ruin it

one thing i find interesting is how, when ainz saw the head, his "emotion supressor" didn't trigger. That means both just how surprised and shocked he was at the sight, that he even couldn't even feel anything. But then, when he ordered the nobles to be tortured, the supressor didn't trigger either. That was calm, cold fury

Dude that arm grab. I know Ains has his emotions dampened but that was pure rage there.

I love this scene, as he said "Painless and quick death is the mercy in Nazarick". These guys didn't deserved it

*Ainz (looks in bag):* "Aw. I liked him...Send them to the urethra violator. I mean Neuronist."

One of the reasons why Ainz is such a compelling protagonist. He's evil, and yet finds respect in those worthy of it. RIP the crown prince. One of the few competent and respectable in the new world.

One of the worse things about this is that, after his conversation with Zanac, Ainz was seriously having some second thoughts about the massacre. He was at the very least wondering if he should actually go through with a complete wipeout. There will never be anyone in the New World who garnered as much respect out of Ainz as Gazef Stronoff, but Prince Zanac could be a close second. Even at a glance, Albedo could tell that Zanac was a far more competent king than Ramposa III. Zanac was a true king, and Ainz respected him greatly just from their short interaction. Had those nobles fought alongside their king, they’d have a swift and clean death. To betray your leader is bad enough, but to do so to someone who is truly a great leader, just for a chance of something as selfish as self-preservation, is something that Ainz would never abide by, especially because his guild was all about aiding your comrades, and he’s probably seen enough of that while he was in the real world. Not only had they disrespected Zanac, who was a great king that was worth far more than every noble combined, they disrespected Gazef Stronoff, by murdering someone who wore the same armour as him and just leaving it stained and lying on the floor, showing little to no respect for both its current and previous wearer. There is very little that can actually infuriate Ainz thanks to his undead emotion inhibitor passive, but that’s certainly one of them.

"I shall give you a reward comparable to your efforts", considering their efforts were betrayal, expecting anything else would be foolish.

"Because it had been decided before his birth that his elder brother would definitely inherit the throne, Zanac's position was not that great. neither did the nobles support him, nor was he close to anyone in the palace. Still, as the one with exceeding abilities, he refused to yield and gave his all to the improvement of the royal families future. Zanac, Renner, Marquis Raeven, and Gazef; If those four were united in mind, and were truly motivated, they should have been able to push back the empires encroachment, and bring about a stronger kingdom. Perhaps this sounds improbable, but had Nazarick not shown up, and had Barbro died before he could inherit the throne, it could definitely have come true." --Description of Zanac, Volume 14.

Respect to the fallen prince, he actually cared about his kingdom even tho he clearly knew that they' were getting massacred anyways. Torture is worse than death so sucks for the nobles who betrayed him lol

To be honest, i did not like zanac at all at the start of the anime. But overtime he really grew on me and earned my respect. Rip king.

Nobles: B-but he was your enemy. Ainz: HE WAS A CONSULE OF ROME!

I love the way Ainz sat down on his throne after the interaction. His mind was already decided and like he said, he lost interest in everything.

Alredy commented, but I love the little detail at 0:24. Ains didn't even sit using his usual practiced routine, he was THAT done with everything.

Everyone here talking about how they killed the king, did everyone forget what Zanac was wearing? It was Gazoffs Armor, a person he truly liked and begged to join his ranks. And the noblemen when asked what they did with the Armor tells him they left it lying on the ground, and didn't think to take it with them or to preserve it, or even to offer it to Ains. I think that was the final straw that made him chose to send them to Nueronist.....

Imagine trying so hard to negotiate and even surrender, and when that doesn't work, the nobles kills you trying to use your head as a gift to be spared. Just for it to become worse

The second time we see a genuine mad emotion from ainz😰

I can understand why Ainz was so disgusted by their actions. They betrayed their ruler and brought his head as tribute to Ainz in order to save their own pathetic hides, they would most likely attempt to do the same to Ainz if someone stronger than him showed up. Such blatant self-serving disloyalty cannot be forgiven.

Really brings out the phrase, "In Nazarick, death is a mercy that frees you from suffering." - Ains Ooal Gown.

The split between Overlord viewers on the Arche chapter, this scene shows anime only viewers exactly why Arche got the best end of the deal she could've. Death is mercy.

Thank god they didn't skip this. Really shows how great Zanac was and how great Ainz was for respecting him.

Ains had respect for him, and i respect that

Damn…Zanac died an honorable death. Just seeing his head is tough to look at. He understood that many nobles would betray him but rather than dying as a coward, this guy went out sword swinging Respect for this prince ✊🏼

It's when you realize that apparently in the novel Ainz had decided, based on his meeting with Zanac, to only destroy the army and spare the kingdom The nobles' betrayal condemned their people to death

like ainz says he believes in paying kindness with kindness and evil with evil... Killing the man who did his best to negotiate for your survival and then trying to buy your safty with his head is honestly not only disloyal but a dirtbag move and add on top of that that ainz respected him they would of wished for death upon the battlefeild

The way he grabbed Aura's hand, the pain he must have been feeling 😪

“i pledge my complete loyalty to the sorcerer king and nvr betray his majesty” says the people who betrayed and killed their king

1:13 I can't stop laughing at them They have no idea where they are going..🤣🤣

People being overly terrified by Ains's presence will never get old in my eyes Honestly tho you can't blame them for being so scared..

It's one thing to fight and die by the hands of Ainz himself but it's a completely different thing to be sent to Neuronist by Ainz himself in anger, that's truly worse than death

His dead tone after opening the bag, the SCOFF at 0:41 when they tell him they left Gazef’s armour and Zanac’s body to rot in the mud, THE ARM GRAB WITH THE MUSIC. This scene was immaculately done.

Zanac made a huge gamble and obtained a painless death promise from Ainz (quite a feat actually), showing how even in the bitter end he cared about the remmanta of his kindgom So the cruel mercy that these nobles got was very well deserved

There is a balance between being ruthless and merciful, that's the power of how much Ainz is and truly the best dark lord he is!

*"I shall give you a reward comparable to your efforts."* Ainz values and respects those who display true loyalty and duty, even if it's not towards him... So here's some Ainz quotes to _really_ put this line in context: "Greater love hath no man than this, that he would lay down his life for his friends." - When adventurers invading Nazarick stayed behind to buy time for their companion to escape, and begged Ainz to let her go. (similar to how Zanac pleaded for his people and didn't run away from a hopeless battle) "In Nazarick, death is a mercy that frees you from suffering." - Ainz ordering that the escaping adventurer be hunted down and executed swiftly while explaining that the invaders staying behind would not be so lucky. (a lesson he's going to teach these treacherous and cowardly nobles) "It would be a waste to dispose of it..." Ainz turning the head of the noble who sent adventurers to the Tomb of Nazarick into a Death Knight. "Bury him with respect." Ainz leaving Zanacs head intact and not using it for Nazarick in any way.

The way Albedo's face lights up when she realizes Ainz is going to grant what they asked for not what they want.

Zanac has been such a solid character throughout the whole story. there are moments when you doubt his morality early in the seasons, but he continues to show himself as someone who would be a just King. Just after learning the fate of his brother, im only wondering what the King's reaction will be, after asking to sacrifice himself.

Imagine making the mistake of personally offending Lord Ainz. A mistake so severe that not even death is an escape from the punishment he would bring to you.

Bury him with respect

When you manage to anger someone whose emotions are magically suppressed.....you have not earned Nazarick's mercy.

So you have chosen death. *Betrays own king that Ainz respected* So you have chosen a slow painful death.

It's kinda cool that you can tell how enraged he is just by the way he sits down on the throne after he sees the head.

0:19 the moment I heard the *grunt* noise I already knew their fates were sealed. Ainz was going to fight them regardless but he grew some respect for the prince, just like gazeff.

*Cowardly nobles foolishly serve their leader up on a silver platter for survival,* Ainz: *"I appreciate what you've done, I'll spare you and your families,"* -Nobles breathe a sigh of relief and shout for joy, Ainz: *"Albedo, send them to my tort- I mean, my servant, Neuronist."* 😏

Ainz had respect for Zanac, this was clear in the LN. That's why he dint raised him as a Death Knight and propose a proper burial with respect. And that's why he is cruel to the traitors.

In the light novel he sent not only the nobles but also their families to Neuronist. He was calmer and colder, it was his inner thoughts that revealed just how enraged by the entire situation.

Nobles: "Please spare our lives!" Ainz: "Albedo, send them to Neuronist." He kept his word. Sasuga Ainz-Sama!

Incredible how a skull face can express so many emotions, especially anger.😈 Neuronist will certainly have a lot of fun with those nobles and their families, what a good employee she is.😏

Ainz really respected Zanac, possible was hoping he died honorable in Battle or Flee. So this shows how much honor and respect Ainz has for his opponents.

What i love about this scene is the sigh after seeing the king's head, and his change of tone... When i first watched it, i just felt it in his voice that he did not like what he saw.

I like how they showed Ainz to be merciful enough to grant them death when requested, even if he made sure the death was long and painful, death would eventually arrive and their suffering ended.

As soon as Ainz said Neuronist, i already knew it was worst case scenario for the nobles.

Can't imagine how the king will react when he find out his nobles killed his son. Probably wish he listen to his knight instead of the nobles from the beginning. 🤦‍♂️

01:06 Despite Ainz doing something strange as seemingly adhering to their wishes, Albedo's smile did not lift. Usually she voices complaint or concern but it's almost as if... she was waiting for the punchline or neuronist line at that point

I continue to love this scene. Ainz suddenly being overtaken by a quiet fury, and dropping the need to roleplay a dignified overlord gives me chills to watch.

That last part gave me actual CHILLS

I shared the hatred Ainz felt with the nobles in this scene. Just before this he had a magnanimous conversation with the prince, something that is a rare luxury from anyone other than a denizen of Nazarik. By handing the prince's head to the Sorcerer King in the hopes of being spared, the nobles gave up the chance of a painless death, the best thing you really can have when you oppose the Sorcerer Kingdom.

1:29 This actually gave me chills.

Ainz did the right thing. Why would you want nobles who so easily betrayed their sovereign to work for you? Answer: You wouldn't.

In the light novel, neuonist torchered them and their families. Ainz sounded amused when they asked to bring their families with them after they were sent to neuonist. Also, ainz told aura to torcher them until they begged for death, and then torcher them some more until they got a slow and painful death

AInz: "I'll spare you and your families!" Nobles: "Yes, thank you. Long live the king!" Also Ainz: [Oh, well, at least I never say they're free!]

I like how Albedo instantly knows Ainz's intentions the moment he tells them to give those nobles and their families to Neuronist.

Ainz was angry, but not enough to cause the emotional suppression. This was a slow burning anger, the most dangerous kind of anger.

Zanac honestly stole the show. In the books Zanac was already great, but seeing it animated actually made me love him more!!

RIP Zanac. if you were isekaid, I’m sure you would’ve been amazing

I remember seeing this scene and as soon as I saw the head I thought "Ainz is going to be angry about that. He actually respected Zanac." The quiet rage was beautifully done.

Ainz is ironically the perfect overlord, even if he has been pretty much role-playing the whole time. He is cruel to those who deserve it, and is kind to those who deserve it. Honestly I would be pleased to be a servant of his as well (especially if I was as overpowered as most of his underlings are lol)

Watching the 2nd half of this episode was great no fight scenes but it showed us an amazing scene between 2 rulers and how they both think and how at the end of their conversation they respected each others views but when Zanac got betrayed I felt nothing but sadness. 😢😢

You gotta love a boss who keeps his promises.

Zanac really surprised me. The earlier seasons made him look like another spoiled noble hungry for power, but in the end he showed that he really had the ability to be a Great King. Willing to sacrifice the needs of the few for the many even if the few were nobles. Understanding the overwhelming force of the enemy and willing to bow his head to save his country.Having the courage to take to the battlefield despite knowing he could never survive it. Going alone to ask the enemy if there was another way knowing full well they could have just killed him. And finally staying humble, and apologizing for losing his composure despite knowing his death is imenent and trying to rally his men for battle despite not having a plan and knowing most likely they will die anyway.

1:10 The look on Albedo's face when he orders those betraying backstabbing nobles to be tortured for who knows how long is priceless. It's like "My man is flexing."

Ainz's actions might be all over the place, I still love his respect and honor. Even if he was gonna massacre all of them, he respected Zanac a lot for his bravery. The fact his men were cowards and betrayed him ensured eternal suffering for them.

One of my favorite moments from the story those guys really only cared about themselves to the end they got what they deserved

One of the few situations where Ainz was so genuinely furious he didn't even rage. It is even scarier.

What I love in this scene is that you see Ainz REALLY angry but smart enough to not let it be seen and give those idiots a false hope.

This is definitely Ainz at his scariest. He may act calm, but you can tell that he's feeling nothing but hatred for the men who murdered the human he respected so much

"Shame. Shame on the Nobles of the Royal City." "But Lord Ains, you are enemies!" "HE WAS A CONSUL OF THE ROYAL CITY"

This is definitely a massive pivotal moment. Notice how his rage didn't get suppressed. 🥶

In the english LN I'm pretty sure he said "And even if they beg for death, don't give it to them for a thousand years", wish they kept that in.

very nice details from the animator and voice actor. After seeing the head, Aniz no longer bothered to seat properly to fit the ruler/overlord image, his also started speaking more softly and quickly to the nobles not out of gentleness, but in an indifferent, "whatever" tone. He really had lost interest before the delivered the line.

"I shall give you a reward comparable to your efforts." Ainz killing it with the ominously sincere doublespeak. You can just tell he's downright livid.

Before this scene in the light novel, Ainz was beginning to question the idea of slaughtering the entire Kingdom. It was this moment that sealed the Kingdom's fate.

This kind of reminds me of Julius Caesar's reaction when Pompey was killed Pompey and Caesar were long standing rivals in the roman senate. When Caesar marched his armies across the Rubicon to take control of Rome, it was Pompey who took up arms against him in the resulting civil war. The war however did not go in Pompey's favor and after he suffered a few defeats, he was forced to flee to Egypt. Caesar gave chase knowing as long as Pompey was at large, the civil war would continue and there would be a challenge to his rule. However not long after arriving in Egypt, he was presented Pompey's head by Egypts ruling house of Ptolemy (a vassal kingdom of the roman empire at the time.) The house of Ptolemy were initially allies of Pompey until they decided to betray him, believing that bringing justice to a traitor of the Roman Empire as a gift to it's new Emperor would earn them favor and maybe even some gifts from Caesar himself. To their shock, Caesar was FURIOUS, him and Pompey actually respected each other greatly, despite being enemies. The story of the betrayal and assassination of Pompey disgusted him and he insulted the house of Ptolemy for being so barbaric, that they should be ashamed and Pompey deserved much better than to have his head presented as a trophy. He's also recorded as having wept afterwards while holding Pompey's signet ring I like how similar it is to this story and can't help but wonder if the author took any inspiration from Caesar for this event in the show? Ainz's reaction certainly feels very similar, he respected the prince and to see him betrayed in such a way obviously disgusted him

This is somewhat more merciful then in the novel. In the novel he said to Aura “Even if they wish for death. Do not let them die”

That last bit together with the music. Pure gold!

There is something, at the moment when he sees the prince's head, he makes this little sound, this little sigh, and I don't know why but I feel so much emotion from that, it really felt like he was about to explode but imploded instead, great voice acting.

Noble: "Should we worry about the ominous music?" Aniz: "Don't worry you'll live, We'll make sure of it."

RIP Chad Chaddington. Ainz got your back.