Legacy of Purity

Prologue: Change of Plans

Inside the Great Tomb of Nazarick...

Ainz was patiently sitting in his office and seated in his chair, gently tapping on the surface of his work desk, waiting for Demiurge to arrive. In truth, Ainz was quite anxious as to what may be so important for him to return from the Roble Holy Kingdom so soon. Was he already done, and awaited new orders? Has he encountered complications even he couldn't manage to face, a possible danger to Nazarick itself? Questions upon questions seemed to fill his mind, until...

-Click!-

The door opened, and the arch-devil strode into the office, wearing the same smile as always before he knelt submissively before the supreme being. Demiurge's usual expression seemed to have calmed his mind for now.

"Lord Ainz, I have returned from my mission from the Holy Kingdom, there were some unexpected changes, but a success nonetheless," Demiurge spoke as he continued to face the ground.

"Rise," Ainz commanded, gently lifting his arm in the process.

The guardian did as he was commanded, standing up to face Ainz sitting behind the desk. Ainz proceeded to exhale an inner sigh of relief. However, there were still thoughts lingering in his mind which kept him a bit uneasy.

"That is very good to hear, but surely you haven't requested my presence just to tell me of the success of your mission?" Ainz asked the arch-devil, who in turn nodded in acceptance.

"You are correct oh supreme one, as expected from Lord Ainz himself!" Demiurge exclaimed with a subservient bow towards Ainz, before continuing. "The important matter as to why I so humbly requested an audience is because of what has happened during the events of the Demi-human war against the Roble Holy Kingdom. After the fall of their fortress city, along with their queen, a small retinue of paladins and aid of what I assume to be adventurers have managed to bring an untimely defeat to the evil lord I summoned, in their capital city of Hoburns. After the fall of the demon emperor, most of the Demi-human army was routed, yet still, a sizable force commanded by Buser stands defiantly against the Humans. With all respect, even I could not foresee such things to transpire, and that the operation remained a relative success in causing a divide in the kingdom that may well lead to its inevitable fracture." Demiurge made a spall pause to straighten his glasses. "After my observations have ended, I immediately requested an audience with you, Lord Ainz, in hopes of being enlightened of our next steps by yourself, supreme one," Demiurge explained, patiently standing still to await the supreme one's answer.

Ainz was largely oblivious about the guardian's well thought out plots and schemes, mostly going with what's been said, then being praised for such a shrewd plan afterward.

"I see, proceed. Tell me about the paladin who slew your familiar." Ainz commanded the arch-devil in hopes of getting a clearer picture of the whole situation. However, one thing is for certain: Someone had been strong enough to defeat an evil lord summoned by Demiurge.

"Of course, however, I apologize that I deliver information about this important matter only out of third hand." Demiurge proceeded to kneel before being interrupted by Ainz holding out a hand for Demiurge to stop.

"You are forgiven, your mission has been an overall success. Such a small detail can easily be overlooked, especially when meeting someone you do not know." Ainz explained as he lowered his hand again, gently placing it upon his work desk.

"I am unworthy of such kindness, Lord Ainz. You are truly benevolent." Demiurge nodded as he slowly rose once more, starting to inform Ainz about the paladin. "The most we know so far is, that this paladin is clad in black plate armor, adorned with an ornate silver trimming at most of the armored parts. He is said to wear a surcoat which may as well be a sleeveless dress, we couldn't make out the symbol adoring this surcoat. However, it does not seem to be one of the Holy Kingdom. It was said that the Grandmaster of the Paladin Order along with said paladin as her advisor, they and their allies hold the Capital of their Kingdom and plan to move against the Demi-humans lead by Buser. On the battlefield, he is said to be quite shrewd and experienced in well-versed tactics of warfare."

"I see," Ainz took a few moments to think, this exposition dump was a huge overload on information, but necessary for the survival of Nazarick. Ainz began to tap his fingers on the desk once more, before turning to the arch-devil once more. "Demiurge, what do you think about this...paladin?"

Demiurge took a few moments to think about it, before answering his overlord. "...I believe that we could use this paladin to our advantage to achieve our ultimate goal regarding the Holy Kingdom. I have to admit, this human has piqued my interest, he would be a viable pawn." Ainz thought about Demiurge's analysis, before nodding at the guardian. "That is all then?" Ainz asked, wondering if there was anything else that needs to be known for now.

"That is all information I have to spare for now. By the events unfolding in the Holy Kingdom, I can only so assume that we may become voyeurs to the inner struggles, waiting for the right moments to do the thing?" Demiurge answered with another question.

"Yes...the thing" Ainz replied, there was it again, the way Demiurge talked sometimes were at most cryptic, such personal exposition came as a refreshing surprise. "I will return to E-Rantel now, I entrust you with the further procedure, you are dismissed," Ainz ordered as he slowly raised from the chair.

"It will be done, Lord Ainz!" Demiurge exclaimed as he bowed to the supreme being once more, proceeding to then head out of the office, wanting to waste no further time in his duty as a voyeur of the Holy Kingdom's political struggle, along with his other duties.

Ainz slowly leaned back into his chair, breathing an inner sigh. It felt as if he had been left with more questions than answers. Is this person a danger to Nazarick, as he had slain Demiurge's evil lord. One thing is clear, Demiurge's disguise as Jaldabaoth was over, as the news of the defeat of the demon emperor will most likely spread like a wildfire between the kingdoms. He once more raised from his seat. He assured himself that demiurge surely will craft a plan for the benefit of Nazarick. However, now he must return to E-Rantel, as the Sorcerer King.