[Philian Apolesai]

Demiurge lingered at the threshold of Vesi's room, his gaze fixed on her sleeping form beneath the silken covers. She seemed peaceful at last, a stark contrast to the tremors of fear and uncertainty that wracked her body when they first reunited. As much as it pained him to leave, Lord Ainz had summoned him, and duty could never be ignored. He moved out of her bedroom, passing through the false wall and ready to leave but then there was the matter of the door.

There were few fools that would enter a supreme one's room without permission, but the one that would was cause for concern. This hidden door was good, but it was useless to her if it was open like this. On a whim, Demiurge walked back to the painting of the World Tree. Running his hand along its frame as Vesi had before pressing in on the nameplate beneath the World Tree painting again, watching with satisfaction as the hidden mechanisms secured the room. Still, a sense of unease tugged at him. Sealing the door didn't feel like enough. That succubus knew that Vesi was here and, should she try something while he was gone, it wouldn't take her long to find a way in.

He needed to be certain.

With a wave of his hand, Demiurge summoned the familiar, shimmering energy of [Alarm] spells. One at the false door—just in case. Another at the main entrance, carefully attuned to his own magical signature.

He left, walking down the hall with a lighter heart.

[Philian Apolesai]

Once outside the office doors, Demiurge straightened his jacket. Ensuring everything about his appearance was perfect before seeing his lord once more. There was only one thing Lord Ainz would want to immediately and Demiurge needed to have a perfect report for him. That brought up Pandora's Actor—and Pulcinella, that foolish clown. Pulcinella certainly deserved some form of punishment for his negligence, while Pandora's efforts had been commendable, perhaps even worthy of a reward. But speaking of them would only complicate matters. As a guardian, it was Demiurge's sworn duty to make his master's life easier—and the easiest path here was to take all the credit.

His usual devilish grin split across his face as he pushed open the office doors.

[Philian Apolesai]

From the entryway he can already feel the tension in the air. His lord, regal as usual, is sitting at his desk. Behind him, Albedo stands rigid, her gaze locked on Demiurge with an intensity that's impossible to ignore. He can feel her disdain, the quiet fury simmering beneath those golden eyes. However, if she is here, she cannot be out enacting some mad plan to harm Lady Vesi. A withering glare or snide remark directed at him meant nothing. As long as she behaved, her bitter rage was irrelevant.

"Ah, Demiurge." Ainz greeted as the demon neared his desk. "I trust Vesi is resting well?"

"My Lord," Demiurge crossed his arm over his chest as he bowed. "Yes, Lady Vesi is sleeping now. As she still seemed perturbed, I took the liberty of securing her room."

Abeldo's wings fluttered quietly but she still said nothing while Ainz muttered under his breath. "She's feeling scared?" Demiurge elected not to respond as Ainz shifted around in his chair, bringing a bony hand to his chin in thought.

"I'll have to deal with that later," Ainz brought his attention back to Demiurge. "First, I want to know where she was. How did you find her?"

Demiurge's smile widened just a fraction. Things were going to fall perfectly into place.

"I was made aware of her return last night as I journeyed to my farm. Where she was before then, I cannot say. Eventually, I was able to locate her by following faint traces of her aura, weak but unmistakably hers. She was in the forests East of the Holy Robel Kingdom."

Ainz nodded along with his words. Demiurge had been expecting the follow up question, but he was still somewhat unsure of how to handle it.

"Her aura was weak, and she's scared. Was she injured at all?"

Demiurge hesitated for a moment. Always wanting to portray his lady at her best, as was his duty. However, he could not hide her current state. He lowered his head slightly, his tone almost humble.

"There were no major physical injuries, Lord Ainz," Demiurge continues, his voice softening with a rare hint of emotion. "Though I must admit, my approach may have been somewhat abrupt, given the urgency of the situation. Lady Vesi was in a fragile state."

He hesitated. Lips twitching into a fanatic smile that he struggled to keep in check. Tail unwittingly flicking behind him as he reflected on the joy—the honor—of witnessing someone so powerful, so perfect, in a vulnerable state. His breath hitched slightly before he quickly adjusted his tie. Working to force his expression back to its usual calm professionalism.

"However, once she realized that she was safe, that I would be taking her back to Nazarick... her joy was quite overwhelming. It was an honor to be there to support her."

Ainz tilted his head slightly. His perceptive lord likely sensing the momentary shift in Demiurge's demeanor. He drummed his fingers against his desk for a moment in thought before he nodded to himself. Deciding to move on rather than dwell on that slight show of weakness which Demiurge was grateful for.

"Well that is good... I'm happy you were there to assist her. Now, there's only a few more things I wanted to ask you about."

He reached his arm out, hand disappearing into a small void. After a short moment he brought it out, placing the hoops Vesi had brought down on the wood. Ainz carefully straightened the chain out as he spoke.

"Her description was brief, but listening to that and looking at this item makes me think they were there to capture a magic user." Once satisfied, the red lights in his sockets shifted back to Demiurge. "Do you have any information on who might have been able to plan something like this so quickly? They knew that Vesi was back before we did. Granted, they didn't create the best team to fight a warrior like her, but it is still impressive."

Demiurge's heart fell. Expression darkening slightly as he recalled Vesi's story.

"Indeed, my lord. As she reached the shore, a group of humans assaulted her. They possessed equipment specifically designed to capture magical beings—an item that was clearly created with ill intent. Although Vesi's strength lies in her physical abilities, her magical reserves are far above the average of this world. It seems these humans mistook her for a powerful caster and sought to subdue her." Demiurge took a brief pause to adjust his glasses. Speaking on one of his failures would always be difficult. "Unfortunately, I do not know who exactly has done this yet, but I do have a strong suspicion."

Ainz's sockets gleamed with interest. "And who do you suspect?"

"The Theocracy, my lord," Demiurge answered without hesitation. "Given their disdain for your greatness and their knowledge of such beings, it seems most likely. I deeply regret not foreseeing this threat. Had I been more vigilant—"

Ainz raised a hand, cutting off his apology.

"You don't need to take the blame for every small failure, Demiurge. You've done more than enough by ensuring Vesi's safe return."

Albedo's silence at Ainz's words spoke volumes, but Demiurge ignored her, lowering his head in deference once more. "Your kindness knows no bounds, my lord."

"Kindness or not, you've earned a reward," Ainz said, shifting the tone of the conversation. "Tell me, Demiurge. What is it that you desire? You may ask for anything."

Demiurge's smile grew wider, though he kept his head bowed. "Anything, my lord?"

"Anything," Ainz confirmed. "You've earned it."

For a moment, Demiurge allowed himself to mentally celebrate his success. There were failings along the way, but now he was in the perfect position.

"My lord, if I may be so bold, I ask for the privilege of serving Lady Vesi directly. To be at her side and ensure her happiness and safety during this adjustment period."

Ainz seemed slightly taken aback by his statement.

"What do you mean by that? Do you believe she's unsafe here?"

Demiurge's posture straightened imperceptibly. For just a moment, the light in his multifaceted gaze shifted to Albedo. In response she only fluttered her wings and smiled. As if to say 'Tell him what happened, he'll never believe you'. And she was right. Bringing up what she had attempted to do to Vesi just this morning would not only be pitting his word against hers, it would create so many issues during an already stressful time. It would be best to hope Albedo just keeps her distance so their lords have time to relax. He took a small breath to steady himself, he'd need a different explanation that was still acceptable. Leaving Vesi in Nazarick with Albedo when she was in such a vulnerable state would be the height of foolishness. His mental battle lasted less than a second before he was able to look back to his lord. Adjusting his glasses quickly before he spoke.

"While Lady Vesi is overjoyed to have returned, I believe the recent events have been quite stressful. So it would be best if someone she already trusts is nearby while she adjusts. As I was the one to find her, I should be the one to help her during this time as well. It would be a great honor and I assure you it would have no effect on my work."

He clenched his fists behind his back, sharp claws digging into his palms through the thick gloves. A silent sigh passed his lips. If his lord refused and sent him back to the farm he would have to get Lady Vesi involved to request he stay. Putting the final two Supreme Beings against each other is never something he would want to do, but he could not leave her here in good conscious. Not now, anyway.

Ainz leaned back into his chair and rested his chin on a bony hand. Mulling over the demon's words in his mind. He had surely noticed how skittish their usually brave and confident lady seemed. She clearly needed support. After seconds that felt like an eternity, Lord Ainz nodded.

"Alright. I'll be trusting you with her then. I hope you can make her more comfortable here. Let her know we're all so happy she's back."

Demiurge's grin widened with every word, and at that last commented he spared a glance at Albedo who had managed to not even so much as flinch. Demiurge was good at concealing his emotions but the way she was able to completely change terrified him somewhat. However, now was not the time to be lingering on such things. He had just won another victory over the succubus and he would take it gratefully.

"Thank you, Lord Ainz. I will not disappoint you."

[Philian Apolesai]

As Demiurge left, Ainz leaned back in his chair, scratching his skeletal chin thoughtfully.

"I brought him here to reward him… and somehow, I ended up giving him more work…" Ainz sighs. "Well, that's Demiurge for you."

Maybe taking time in the tomb to serve Vesi would be like a break? At least, the closest thing to a break the demon would willingly take. So this could actually be a good thing. Vesi will have one of the most capable guardians helping her and Demiurge might finally relax.

Ainz nodded to himself as he looked back down at the chain on his desk—left behind by her would-be captors. Apparently she was 'fragile' right now, but Vesi had never been one to stay down; and the question of who had tried to take her lingered. Ainz's sockets glowed faintly. "Whoever it was... they won't get another chance."

[Philian Apolesai]