He was standing against the wall, simply observing the whole affair. Momon the dark hero had two exquisitely dressed women on each arm as he entered, it only made sense to enter the official dinner with the people he arrived with. On his right was his partner Nabe, the other arm had what he could only describe as a demon. After they were introduced he led them to their assigned seats before taking his.

The atmosphere could only be described as tense.

"Honoured dignitaries, we hope that our humble offering served here is to your liking." Someone started digging his own grave.

No one spoke, they all looked at the demon. She hadn't yet touched her meal.

"There's nothing particularly wrong with it. I can only compare it to what was served in the Empire, so it's not bad." The one with the moniker of "Beautiful Princess" spoke as the air nearly suffocated everyone else, not that it bothered him.

"Well ... we're glad." Even though the demi-human – a catman – said so it still sounded like a question. He couldn't blame him, they had prepared the best dishes for this occasion, for someone to say it wasn't bad was akin to saying their best was meaningless.

"Well, Jera-dono, you said that the dragon councillors don't interfere in any way with the running of the state, but still somehow hold a lot of influence?" the demon spoke.

"Ah, yes ... they would only intervene if ever the state were in danger, but we are a safe nation, considering no one wants to face the wrath of even one Dragon Lord."

The pleasantries and small talk about each nation went on, the only thing momentarily silencing the room were uncalled for comments by the Beautiful Princess. Now he was certain his plan wouldn't fail.

He waited for him along the passages, he knew his target would come alone, he had made sure of it. And sure as the sun rises in the east he was. He pulled – considering the sturdiness on the man it was more akin to dragged – the unsuspecting man into the room.

"Please stay calm, I just need to talk to you." The man whose mouth and nose were covered slowly nodded seeing no way out. Then sat down with what could only be called well practised dramatic flair in a chair before sighing in a manner that was clearly over the top. It was as if the man was telling him there were better ways to go about doing things, he too agreed internally.

"You know, if ever I'm going to get randomly pulled into a dimly lit room in the middle of the night, I'd rather be kidnapped by a woman."

Is this were I have to start?

"My apologies, Momon-dono, I am unsure of how many people are watching you, so I needed to reduce myself to such unsightly tactics. Please accept my apology."

"It was a joke, you seemed quite tense, Mr. ...?" he dragged it on.

"Agneia. Riku Agneia."

"Ah, Mister Agneia, how might I assist you!" his action had an unnecessary dramatic flare.

Well I suppose they all have their quirks.

"Please keep your voice down, Momon-dono. This is really a sensitive matter."

"I see, carry on."

"Do you think you could defeat the Sorcerer King?"

He tilted his head in visible confusion. "Agneia-san. I am a warrior. Trying to get me to measure my strength against a magic caster is slightly ..."

I expected that.

"Then, what about the de-, the Prime Minister?"

"I am aware that the Sorcerer Kings subordinates are powerful, she even threatened to eliminate me as a potentially dangerous person once, but I haven't seen her in actual combat. So I cannot offer you anything. Besides I was of the notion you wanted to tell me something, was I wrong?"

His quite quick to catch on, he may be the perfect ally after all.

"From my observations of the dinner today, you and Miss Nabe are not as loyal to the Sorcerer King as your mission might say you are?" he started carefully

"What do you mean by that?" a clearly intrigued Momon responded

"Miss Nabe was slighting the food, the councillors servants and her attendants, but you did not even try to reproach her for her conduct. From that I can tell your don't mind foiling the Sorcerer Kings plans, even if it is indirectly. But such a crude plan is easy to see through, I am quite certain that the Prime Minister is being less than kind to Miss Nabe right now."

Momon shifted in his seat. And quietly thought about his words, after what seemed like too long Riku added.

"I have a way that can ensure your victory against her."

Momon looked at him with a slightly incredulous, slightly intrigued expression.

"And that would be?"

"First answer me this. Why do you serve an evil ruler? Why give up your freedom helping him spread his injustices, when you could have sought help?"

Momon seemed to ponder his question then answered. "I do not serve an evil ruler, I am merely ensuring the protection of any citizens under the Sorcerer Kings rule. It's all I can do. The man killed over 200000 people with a single spell, then killed over eight million with an army of only 10000. What am I in the face of such power?"

"But even knowing that you stood against him, didn't you?"

Momon sighed deeply again. "It was a rash and emotional move. Considering that I am alive it seems he never planned on hurting the citizens of E-Rantel. By law that land is rightfully his and was given to him as the prize for war that was not only officially declared, but accepted."

"It is not E-Rantel I'm talking about. Even I see nothing wrong with it. I'm talking about the rest of Re-Estize."

Momon pondered his question once more. "I ..." only silence followed.

"You don't have an answer, Momon-dono?"

"All I know is that the Kingdom attacked first."

"But don't you agree that he went too far?"

Momon was silent once more.

Hook, line and sinker.

"About my earlier proposal. I am in possession of what is called a powered suit. Perhaps, you've come across Red Drop?"

"Can't say I have. All I know is that they're fellow adamantite ranked adventures, whom rumours claim to use odd weapons."

Well they are based far away from each other.

"Momon-dono. What is your story?"

"That's a rather abrupt way to change the topic." Momon said plainly.

"I was just curious. Even though you're an adventurer, you don't seem out of place at a political gathering, plus you have quite the noble bearing, both you and Miss Nabe. It just struck me as interesting, is all."

"Ah, I would prefer you didn't pry."

I wasn't planning on doing so, but you've given me a perfect setup.

"I hear you're chasing at least one vampire. If I could locate this vampire for you, would you stand with me against the Sorcerer King?"

"Mm, it seems you know my story."

"Only that you came to E-Rantel in pursuit of two vampires, and even that was hard to come by, you are a man of mystery Momon-dono."

"Mm. What about you. As far as I know only servants of the Dragon Councillors can make it in here. Who is backing you?"

That was a horrible mistake on my part, but it's not as if we would have come in contact privately if I tried to meet him outside.

"I will tell you depending on your answer."

"Then give me some time. Even if you expect me to trust you words, you are effectively asking me to weigh the lives of over two million on them." Momon curtly replied.

"So you've taken the survivors as your burden as well. Very well, I will await your answer, how about next week?"

"That is fine. Then if you'll excuse me. It's been a long night."

Momon left the room with a slight bow. Riku was expecting some sort of exaggerated gesture, but got nothing of the sort.

I wonder if he'll accept. Even if he doesn't it's fine. Even if he does take the news to the Sorcerer King, the most he'll get is that Red Drop has a backer who can give them powered suits. If he does accept, Nabe can always be a hostage to ensure his co-operation, that way I can also drop Azuth if he is better suited to using the powered suit. It's a win-win, at least for me anyway. But, maybe that demon recognised my armour? It's fine, I used the name the Sorcerer King called me by, but then again she might be on the look out for me. Guess I'll go back. I'll tell that child to receive Momon's answer.

Pandora's Actor made his way into his room. Though he was well aware that the plans of his creator were perfect he was only starting to realise how truly amazing they were. He had expected to come across Riku, but this soon! It could only be the doing of the Supreme One. A smile washed over Momons' face.

Riku was practically a gold mine of information, and it was information he was best at processing in real time. Had his master foreseen all of this when he sent him on this mission. To serve such an amazing being was a great honour, but to be created by him was a joy only he knew. It was only him. To say that all danced in palm of the supreme one was an understatement.

If his creator set the stage, Pandora's Actor was going to be the conductor. He had to direct the people as his master had written. First he was going to compile a full report and his interpretations, this joy he felt at serving his master and being the one to deliver information that no one had, he was going to be praised by his ... father.

Yes! Momonga-sama is going to praise me! Unfortunately Albedo, we can't ally on this one.

As the smile on his face refused to recede, he got to work. He felt so much joy in this moment that it was enough to make him forget that it had been twelve days and nights since he last touched a magical item, such was the joy of a child who was going to present his father with best gift ever.

With this father won't have to lose to him on purpose again ... even if it is me taking his place.

So this week is a double upload! Happy Easter. Thank you for your reviews I hope I'm getting better at this. To my followers, a slight disclaimer moving forward: I don't know much about politics; only what the Supreme One has taught me, of course the Supreme One is not at fault, it all this ones fault for being a bad student. So sorry if the story feels rushed as I gloss over politics, but other than that this story is quite exciting for me write, so moving forward I will be increasing the word count. it's only by 300 or so words so I guess it won't be that long really.