Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Albedo finds me sprawled out on the moist grass, sides aching and trying to gasp lungfuls of air.

Distantly, I can recognize that this fit is probably more due to nerves than actual amusement, but I still can't seem to gather my wits long enough to reassure her that I am not, in fact, dying.

Do I feel like I'm dying? Maybe.

Still not actually dying.

'Though, now that I'm thinking it, maybe I have died.' Certainly, it would be more realistic than for me to be isekai'd like in some kind of anime-

Others are still called, Lupu and the furry-like Head Maid (-the fact that both healers have dog characteristics sends me further into peels of laughter, for whatever reason-) being front and centre, and although I try to wave both their reaching hands and concerns away, somehow I'm still herded back into the Tomb and escorted up to my room.

By the time that I'm being seated on my bed I've calmed down somewhat, phantom pains on my cheeks from grinning so much. A warm drink mixed with a potion is put in my hands, to which I drink under their insistence, but I put my foot down when it comes apparent that Albedo intends to tuck me into bed.

"Oh, no, no, no, no-" I chuckle, pushing off my bed. "There is no way I'm sleeping now of all times," I tell everyone firmly, wicked, wicked ideas springing to mind.

"But, My Lady-" Albedo protests.

I lock eyes with her, and the rest of her argument seems to die on her tongue. Taking a single step back, she sweeps an arm in front of her as she inclines her head.

"As you wish, Lady RyokoTheSassy21. What do you desire? How may we help you? Simply tell us, and it shall be so!"

I hold up a finger. "First of all, you can stop calling me by my username. Just Ryoko is fine. That goes for all of you." A sudden, strong urge to to ruffle Albedo's head raises up, but I push it back down.

She straightens, looking resolute. "Understood, Lady Ryoko!"

I open my mouth, but then close it, sighing. That's not what I meant, but something about the determined glint in her eye tells me this is not a fight I'm going to win.

Truthfully, I don't know why Albedo and everyone is acting the way they are, but at this point the only thing I can do is roll with the punches.

(Either that, or faint or something.)

"Okay, right," I continue. "Albedo? Can you get all of the floor Guardians here -oh! And Damien!" The possibility of getting to meet my own NPC, Damien Crawford in the flesh and blood, causes my heart to race and a wide smile to bloom, stretching my already sore cheeks.

She hesitates, just for a split second. "Forgive my insolence, but do you mean to include Gargantua as well?"

"Ah." Right, that one isn't an NPC created by one of the guild members, but a bonus. Not to mention the sheer size of him -I highly doubt he'd be able to leave his own floor! "No, no, um, just the others, okay?"

"I shall do so without delay, Lady Ryoko. Then, please excuse me." Albedo leaves without further adieu, leaving me with the others.

An awkward, expectant silence befalls us, dimming the giddiness somewhat. I clear my throat, another uneasy chuckle bubbling up. "You guys can leave -do what you usually do, thanks."

They bow at the waist as one, Sebas stepping up as their spokesperson:

"As you command, my Lady."

They filter out, closing my door gently behind them.

As I wait for Albedo and the other Guardians, I marvel over my new found control for my thick tail and leathery wings. You'd think, these being extra limbs, it would be difficult to command them as easy as the others. Except...It isn't. Aside from becoming aware of new muscles, curling my tail and stretching my wings isn't much different than moving an arm or leg.

Well, I say that, and then being reminded that its not too similar as my tails begin wagging without meaning to and knocking against one of the wooden bedposts.

The loud, piercing crack! startles me, and I whip around to find the one post splintered, broken almost in two as the bed groans and dips.

'D-Did I do that?'

I hardly think I hit it that hard!

I test out the sharpness of my claws by shredding a pillow, mouth twisting in displeasure as I consequently pick out the stuffing and bits of cloth stuck under them. Furthermore, I can smell the cleaner on by bedding as clear as if I were pressing my nose into it, the old, dried paint in the decorative paintings on the wall, and the flowers several feet away on the dresser. It's all so clear and strong!

I also try a few minor spells -nothing major, a simple [Fire Ball] that hovers over my palm, a few flaps of my wings to fly an inch off the ground before falling back down.

Curiously, I seem to be able to instinctively tell what my stats are. I want to let loose and see what a more powerful spell does -so that I can compare what losing MP might feel like- but just as I'm pondering that, Albedo knocks on the door.

"Lady Ryoko? I have gathered everyone as you commanded, may we please be allowed entry?"

"Oh, um, yeah!" I close my fist, the small blue flame sputtering out as I turn to face the door. "Come on in!"

The sight of everyone -as unworldly, terrific as it is- pooling together causes instant regret over not requesting a different meeting place than my room. The room isn't small by any means, truly is does resemble a Nobles', with a gigantic bed, enough space for a heavy dresser floor to ceiling, and a sitting area, but as everyone gathers in front of me...

Especially Cocytus! The blue Vermin Lord takes up the vast majority of the space, forcing everyone else to squeeze together to make room. The man can't even stand up straight, and his armer still scraps against the ceiling even as he kneels!

I'm about to suggest that we should move back into the hallway when Shalltear weasels past Cocytus and Demiurge, stalking right up to me with stars in her crimson hues, her delicate hands clasped in front of her chest.

"Lady RyokoTheSassy21, you are utterly radiant this evening!" she breathes, leaning uncomfortably close. "Oh, that's not to say you aren't radiant everyday, but you are most stunning today especially! I am most honoured to be given the privilege to bask in your Supreme presence-"

"Shalltear, I do believe that you are burdening Lady RyokoTheSassy21," Demiurge speaks up with clear disapproval in his deep, smooth voice, the sound of that voice doing a funny little thing to my tummy. Behind him, his tail flickers side to side with subtle aggression.

Shalltear pouts at him, taking another step closer so that she's just shy of pressing against me. "Nonsense, Demiurge, I am simply appreciating Lady RyokoTheSassy21's unparalleled, exquisite beauty!"

'The top of her head barely reaches my shoulder...'

I clear my throat, using my claws to gently hold her off, but she only leans further into the touch, a bright blush blooming on her otherwise pale cheeks, gazing up at me under her lashes shyly. "My Lady?" she wonders.

The image of her creator, Peroroncino, springs to mind, as so does his unfiltered chanting of girl love.

"Um, thank you, Shalltear, you're pretty adorable yourself-" I pause, noticing how her face continues to redden, and for a second I think she's going to pass simply swooning and straight up faint. "-But I think you need you take a step back. Please."

Her crushed expression makes me want to squirm, but thankfully she backs down and joins the others with only a quiet apology.

Right, well, that happened.

"Forgive my rudeness, my Lady, but please allow us to Vow our Fidelity," Albedo requests humbly.

'What.' I blink, wondering not for the first time where the hell this train is heading, and how on earth I can get my hands on the destination map. But, well, it isn't like I had any sort of plan. I just really wanted to meet everyone in the flesh, so why the hell not?

I glance over to Cocytus's other side, where my NPC stands. I didn't notice until now because of Cocytus's massive built, and I'm sure because of Damien's own character/power traits I gave him, but now...Now I can't look away.

I believe I gave him the same height as my own avatar, and with a yummy amount of muscles on his bones. The deep red headwrap covers the tiny, slithering green snakes that marks his Medusa race. A matching cloth also hides away his serpent eyes, leaving behind the impression that he might be blind. His skin is dark, and the cloak he wears is an even darker black as it pools around his feet. I can only spot the hilts of his double swords behind him, but under that cloak should be bottles of poisons in his pockets and a dagger strapped to each thigh, and even more knives are hidden in the soles of his shoes.

I remember the day I first created his profile, and then later gathered enough cystrals to make him for real. I wanted a Master Spy/Ninja, and originally went to make him a doppelgänger, but then Momonga made his own NPC first and I didn't want others to think I was copying him. Plus, there was already Narberal Gamma, and three powerful doppelgängers seemed a bit much.

So after some consideration I decided on Medusa instead, giggling to myself as I pictured him creeping into the night, turning his victims and targets alike into stone as he slipped into the shadows. I drove myself to great lengths to power him up, and to date, as far as I'm aware I've been able to get him to a general level of 90.

His speed and agility are his biggest stats, second only to his sheer attack power. Admittedly his defences are rather lacking in comparison, but I never really worried about that as I reasoned his speed and ninja skills were defence enough. Why stress when he's built to take out his enemies before they even realize the target on their backs?

I recall that I was in my on-again, off-again yandere phase when I wrote his personalty. His charisma/acting skills is supposed to rival his speed and attack points. When going undercover he presents himself as a friend to all, charming smile, eyes that dance with mischief. To his colleagues he is a stoic, no nonsense professional that generally keeps to himself and his underlings unless needed otherwise.

But under all that...The hair on the back of my neck rises, and I become acutely aware of the weight of his unwavering attention on me, despite the veil over his eyes.

Because under all that is a dark, bloodthirsty, manipulative yandere utterly obsessed with me.

Suddenly I'm not so keen on meeting him anymore...

"My Lady?" Albedo's soft voice snatches me away from my quickly spiralling thoughts, and I become aware that I haven't actually answered her question yet. And in my silence everyone has grown increasingly nervous -everyone, that is, except for Damien, who remains as patient and quietly watchful as when he first entered.

Somehow that only makes me more uneasy.

"Oh, right. Sorry. Um, yeah, go ahead." 'Wow, can I ever sound lamer than that?' I'm still mentally berating myself when they begin;

"The Guardian of the first, second, and third floor, Shalltear Bloodfallen. I bow before the Supreme One."

"The. Guardian. Of. The. Fourth. Floor. Cocytus. I. Bow. Before. The. Supreme. One."

"The Guardian of the sixth floor, Aura Bella Fiora-"

"A-Also the Guardian of the sixth floor, Mare Bella Fiora-"

"-We bow before the Supreme One."

"The Guardian of the seventh floor, Demiurge. I bow before the Supreme One."

"The Guardian of the eighth floor, Victim. I bow before the Supreme One."

"The Captain of the Nerium Oleander, and your personal creation, Damien Crawford. I bow before my Supreme One." The low, silky way he emphasizes the word "personal" along with the smirk sends a chilled shiver down my spine, and a part of me is glad that I can't see those dangerous eyes of his.

"The leader of all the Guardians, Albedo. I bow before the Supreme One."

One by one, they kneel with a hand on their heart as they stare up at me, raw and unashamed with their admiration, aside from Cocytus who was forced to his knees since entering my room and Victim who flies, both of whom have no facial expressions to speak of.

My own words are caught in my throat, leaving me floundering for a good moment before I can muster up a better response. (They're all so serious!) "Thank you," I finally manage. "I'm pleased to hear it." 'What else can I say? Is anything else needed?'

Seems not, for they all beam in return, as if I just given them the greatest blessing of them all.

"Your thanks is wasted upon us," Albedo demurs. "We have all pledged ourselves t-to you-" her voice cracks near the end, though she does her best to mask it "-Lady Ryoko, though you may find us lacking, we vow to work hard and live up to the expectations of the Supreme Beings who created us. This, we vow."

"This we vow!" the others echo after her loudly, proudly.

"Please bestow your orders upon us, Supreme One," Albedo finishes.

Suddenly thrust into an even further uncomfortable position, my mind scrambles to find something to satisfy them. 'What can I -that's it!' "Damien."

"Yes, my Lady?" he responds instantly. I dare say even eagerly.

"I need you to look around outside and tell me what you find. How far the surrounding settlements are, who lives there, stuff like that."

"It would be my pleasure," he purrs, and I can imagine his golden hues narrowing into slits to pair off with that devilish smirk of his. "Would I be allowed to take a few of my underlings with me?"

When I was making him, I also worked to convince Momonga that it was worth the gold to buy several Hanzos to make a mini-spy army. Though the level 80 Hanzos started off a lot stronger than Damien, I had put in sweat and blood for several months to grind him past that as a proper superior. In the end, I had to do some solo adventuring and quests to come up with the money (Momonga and I's deal) and was able to buy twenty of them, all for Damien.

"Of course," I answer easily. "Take as many as you want."

It's not like we have anyone requiring a spy network for, after all. Truth be told Damien and his little army of Hanzos were more decoration than an actual force for Nazarick, which is why I had to earn the gold myself to begin with.

"My sincerest thanks, my Lady."

He stays there for minute, waiting, until I clue in and dismiss him. With one last lingering look and bow towards me, he gracefully slips out of the room, as quiet as a mouse.

I turn to the others, fists on my hips. 'Well, that takes care of him, at least. Now what else should I do...?' "Eh, well, first of all, I'd like everyone to stand please. And just refer to me as Ryoko -no need for that long-winded nonsense. And spread the word about that, too. Mmm...Albedo, what's the current status of Nazarick?"

"My Lady. Everyone, aside from the servants you see before you are preforming their assigned tasks dutifully and smoothly. Currently, there has been zero attempts of infiltration by outside forces and the security for the Great Tomb of Nazarick is regular."

"Right, well, until Damien can gather more information about our new surroundings, I think it would be best to up the security as much as possible. Demiurge, you're the defence leader, yeah?"

"You are as correct as always, my Lady. It is a position that I have long been entrusted by Lord Ulbert," he answers proudly. Behind him, I spot his wagging tail not unlike a dog's.

It makes me smile, and I resist the urge to point it out to the demon. Still, I have to stay on topic. "Okay. I want you and Albedo to work together to rise the security then. In the meantime I have a few...Experiments I need to do. Aura, Mare, do you mind if I steal the sixth's floor arena for a while?"

"Of course not! You are one of the Supreme Beings -you could never be a bother! My bother and I would be honoured to host one such as you!" Aura beams, mismatching eyes sparkling. "If I may so ask, what kind of experiments are you thinking of, my Lady?"

"Just some magic and swordsmanship...On that note, I'll probably need a sparing partner..."

My eyes automatically drift towards Demiurge, but seeing as I just gave him a different order, that isn't possible at the moment. He tilts his head curiously, smile widening.

"Although far inferior to your might, please allow Mare and I to help you in this regard!"

"A-um..!" Besides Aura, Mare awkwardly tugs on his skirt as he avoids my eyes. Clearly, he doesn't quite feel the same as his sister.

Something I agree on -no matter how strong they're supposed to be, I find myself reluctant to fight children. I purse my lips. "Ah, I don't think that would be a good idea..."

Aura wilts on the spot, and a silver of guilt worms in my chest. 'Damn it!'

"Then. If. Not. Aura. And. Mare. Will. I. Suffice. Lady. Ryoko?" Cocytus asks politely, steam blowing out of his giant pinchers.

Shalltear giggles, as if what Cocytus just uttered was adorable. "My, my, Cocytus, do you truly believe that you alone would be enough to fulfil Lady Ryoko's needs?"

Cocytus bows his head in shame, but Shalltear doesn't wait for him to answer. She turns back to me, curtsying. "My Lady, as the strongest Guardian for hand-to-hand combat and possessing a variety of talents, I do believe that I would be the most useful for a match, however pitiful as it may compare to your undeniable brilliance."

"How about you both come with me? We can take turns," I offer weakly.

Shalltear pouts for a moment, but concedes nonetheless.

"I. Will. Do. My. Best. To. Serve. You. At. My. Utmost. Capabilities. Lady. Ryoko."

"Aaah, Lady Ryoko, if it isn't too much of a burden..." Mare begins shyly, biting his bottom lip. "Would it be alright if my sister and I were allowed to watch your battle?"

"Sure," I reply simply. "So long as you guys stay on the bleachers, I don't have a problem. It's your guys's floor, right?"

"Lady Ryoko, forgive my interruption, but do you have any task for me...?" Victim speaks up hopefully.

"Er, not at the moment. I would appreciate if you continued to guard the eighth floor like you usually do, though."

Although the pink...Thing doesn't outwardly react, its disappointment is clear within its dejected tone. "As you command, my Lady."

I clap my hands together. "Alright then! I believe everyone has their orders, yeah? Well, let's head out!" I gleefully declare.

Several hours later, I come to more than one understanding.

The first one is that, unlike in the game, my HP and MP taking hits actually wears on me physically when they pass the halfway mark. MP specifically can leave me breathless for if I cast a spell requiring ridiculous amounts of magic, such as my [Dragon Lord; Summoning!] where I have a pick of either two adolescent earth dragons, or one mature one.

On a similar note, however, when I use [Gluttony] to eat my species' element -unfortunately in this case, it being dirt, metals, or other things found underground- quickly replenishes my HP and MP, a total cheat skill that's saved my reckless behind on several occasions in the past. (Though, I could go without actually tasting the earth now...)

In fact, I doubt I'd be able to confidently stand against Shalltear without it -Peroroncino wasn't kidding when he said she packed a hell of a punch, and that gear and weapons of hers is nearly as unfair as my [Gluttony]!

The biggest misfortune of all, though, is the fact that [Fly] doesn't work. Like, at all. It seems that now that I can actually consciously move the wings on my back, I have to properly use them if I want to fly. Something that I'll have to rectify as soon as possible. It makes me glad that I wasn't fighting Demiurge...For him to try to take the battle in the air, and for me to be literally grounded would be so embarrassing!

As for swordsmanship...Well, both Cocytus, Shalltear, and their monstrous gives me new appreciation for my own. Without a doubt they'd easily be able to snap me like a twig if I didn't have a dragon's muscles to back me up, or if my thick scales couldn't take the brunt of their abuse. Still, they hardly gave me enough openings to use [Gluttony] as I would have preferred, and I greatly regret taking them both on right after the other when at the end of it, my legs and arms screaming at me. I have to use my sword as support to remain standing!

Other than that, most of my skills and spells seems to work just fine. I held back from using some of my more widespread and devastating magic, not wanting to totally bring the sixth floor down, yet...

With my chest heaving, blood sitting at the back of my throat from the intense, back-to-back workout, I can only grimace as I take in the state of the arena. None of us had left the boundary from what I can faintly recall, but that didn't protect the stone walls and bleachers from taking the brunt of dodged attacks. One spot in particular has crumpled into a giant pile of broken rumble. Similarly, the grounds possess several new craters of varying sizes, not to mention evidence of my [Earth Bend].

A part of me wonders what the result would be if we didn't stop at disarming only, or if Shalltear and Cocytus fought me together...I shudder, never wanting to find out.

"That was amazing, Lady Ryoko!" Aura gushes, staring up at me as if hung the very stars. She all but dances on the spot, and I envy her energy. "To be able to witness such a magnificent display-!"

"In. Deed." Cocytus agrees. "To. Battle. Against. A. Supreme. Being. Is. A. Great. Honour. That. I. Will. Forever. Hold. Dear."

'Yes, they seem to be quite obsessed with "honour",' I muse wryly. "Thanks, you weren't bad yourself...Shalltear, are you alright there?"

She's still in her full armer, laying spread-eagle on the ground a few feet away, and looking up to the false sky not saying a word.

I lean on my sword some more, trying to peer at her expression. I realize that it -well, the wide grin on her face stops my concern fast. It reminds me of those sexual, orgasmic expression used in henti...

She giggles creepily to herself, and I decide to leave her as is.

"Hey, Shalltear, Lady Ryoko-"

"Shush, it's fine," I hastily cut Aura off, who frowns.

"But, to ignore a Supreme One-"

"It's fine," I stress.

"A-Ah, Lady Ryoko...!" Mare ducks his head, but nonetheless steps forward while fiddling with his wooden staff.

"Yes?" I prompt.

"Um, if it isn't too much trouble, could I please heal you..?" he quietly requests, flushing a cute pink.

I can't help but coo, reaching out to ruffle the small's boy blonde head. His blush turns a bright, firetruck red, which only makes me want to tease him further. "Sure, I'd love for you to heal me," I grin. "Thanks a bunch, Mare."

"I-I-I-!" Overwhelmed, he can barely get out a single syllable, frozen stiff under my touch.

I remove my hand, which seems to help as Mare gradually calms down enough to gather his wits. 'Wow, to react like this...They must be severely touch-starved.' Which, in retrospect, makes sense...Still, the thought pains my heart. I resolve to show more physical affection in the future.

Besides him, Aura sulks, inching a little closer to me with large, imploring eyes. The question doesn't need to vocalized, and I ruffle Aura's own soft locks. She closes her eyes and leans into the touch gratefully, all but purring.

"Do you guys want a hug?" I find myself asking, and Aura's eyes snap open, both of the twins gasping.

"I-If it isn't too much trouble-!"

My smile turns soft, and I lay my sword down so that I can couch and pull them into my embrace. Even crouching, however, they have to stretch themselves to place their chins on my shoulders. I could too easily sweep them off their feet with no effort on my part, and their trembling hands on my back makes me hold them tighter. They all but become goo in my arms.

'They're so tiny!'

The moment is ruined when my stomach growls. Loudly.

I laugh, pulling back slightly so that I can look at the twins' faces. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving. Do you guys want to eat with me?"

They nods so much I fear their head rolling off heir narrow shoulders.

Chuckling, I ignore my aching calfs and stand, taking Aura and Mare with me as I place them on a hip each, holding them like I would a toddler.

"M-My Lady-!"

For a second, I think Mare is going to faint right there and then. I pause, considering him. "If you want me to put you down-"

"N-NO!"

The sharp and sudden refusal shouted so close causes me to wince, and Mare shrinks both under his own guilt and his sister's withering glare. He clutches the collar of my armer tighter, mumbling; "Please don't. I-I'm okay."

"Okay then," I nod, heaving them up as I begin walking. "Cocytus, would you mind grabbing my sword for me?"

Cocytus inclines his head. "It. Would. Be. My. Pleasure."

'Yep, definitely obsessed with honour.'

"What. Should. Be. Done. With. Shall. Tear?" he wonders.

I eye the vampire, who is still lost in her own (guaranteed to be perverted) world. "Leave her be," I say. "Aura, do you know how to get to the kitchens from here?"

"Of course!"

"Great, lead the way then."

Chapter Text

I spend the rest of the evening and even well into the next morning in some sort and dream-like trance.

I scope out every nook and cranny of Nazarick, meeting other NPC's I forgot even existed, but who's existence excites me nonetheless, and otherwise trying to experience the Tomb to the fullest.

I crash hard when I finally rest on the second day -probably slept about fifteen hours- but as soon as I open my eyes and come face-to-face with Damien's inches away from mine, adrenaline spikes, and spikes hard as I bolt up in bed.

"Wha -Damien-"

"I apologize for disturbing your rest, Lady Ryoko," his smooth, deep voice doesn't help clear my muddled thoughts as he remains on one knee, a clenching fist on his heart. Although the cloth still obscures his eyes, his heavy gaze feels as if it's seeing into my very soul.

I swallow the lump in my throat. "It's fine, but, ah, how long where you there, exactly?" I squeak, and hating myself for it.

"Not nearly long enough," he purrs. "It's my deepest regret that I was unable to complete my task quicker."

'Naila, you dummy!' I think despertely to myself. 'Why'd you have to go and make him a yandere? Why?!"

A nervous laughs escape me, and I pull the blankets tighter around me. Despite the nightclothes that one of the homunculi maids provided for me, Damien has an uncanny way to make me feel naked. Speaking of...

I spare a quick glance to the homunculi maid -Fifth?- who insisted to stay in my room as I slept, for whatever godforsaken reason I would need her as I slept. Sitting on a chair in the corner, she tilts her head at me, blinking and smiling as if silently asking what I need.

I'm going to have to talk to them about letting Damien in without permission...

"Just wait outside next time, okay?" I tell Damien awkwardly.

He frowns, lips pursing in displeasure. "Is this an order?" he asks me.

"Yes."

The frown deepens, but he reluctantly inclines his head. "As you command, my Lady."

"Great, now that we understand each other -what did you find?"

Straightening, Damien reaches into his inner cloak pocket and hands me a hand-drawn map. I'm careful to avoid his fingers as I take it. Damien goes on to explain what he and his underlings where able discover in the hours that they were gone, tapping the territories on the parchment as he does so.

Apparently we've popped up somewhere close to what's called to the Great Tob and the Azerlisa Mountains by the locals, the locals being the bordering RE-Estizes Kingdom on the west, the Slane Theocrecy on the South-West, Baharuth Empire on the East, Katze Plains on the South-East.

The nearest settlements are a few days travel on horse, all of them tiny, "meagre" villages. However, they all belong to the RE-Estizes Kingdom, and the nearest city is called E-Rantal.

"Is that all of the territories?"

"Forgive me, but we are still gathering intel further away."

"I see..." I frown, mulling the report over in my head. "Well, as you do that, I want you to also find out what the human's relationship with non-humans is in the different territories -wait, are there even non-humans in this world?" My eyes widen at this train of thought, multiple possibilities running and trampling over each other inside my head. "Okay, okay, so first find out if there even are non-humans, then if there is, what kinds, how powerful they all are -including humans- and what their relationship with each other is like."

'Also, we should probably hide Nazarick in the meanwhile...' I chew my bottom lip, a heavy feeling settling in my gut. I should've hid Nazarick in the beginning. Is it too late to do so now? 'Are we going to be accused of illegal immigration or trespassing if found?'

"Damien, get Demiurge and Albedo here," I order.

"At once."

Fifth (-'gotta give the normal maids better names than simple numbers some point soon'-) swiftly opens the door for Damien, but not before Damien steals the chance to grab my hand and kiss it. Stunned by the act, I don't get the chance to defuse him as he disappears.

I shiver as I rub the phantom kiss away, steeling myself to not let it repeat. Ever. "Fifth, where are my clothes?" I ask her.

She perks right up. "My apologies, Lady Ryoko, but the damage done from your training yesterday is still being mended. However, a few of the other maids have sewn a few outfits befitting of your station while you rested."

'So they were able to make new clothes from scratch, but not completely fix the first one...?' Nonetheless, I decide not to argue, seeing as I would need more clothes other than my armer sooner or later. "Alright, can I see them then?"

"I would be our honour! Oh, but would Milady like to have a bath first?" She asks eagerly.

"Sure."

To be honest, I almost forgot how much everyone seems to worship me and the other 'Supreme Beings,' and all the expectations and implications attached to this fact. I thought it would be a simple matter to just bathe myself while Fifth went and got the new clothes.

However, my naivety is swiftly corrected as six other level one maids comes flooding into my room with towels, different kinds of soap and manicure supplies, and a choice of either fluffiest or the silkiest robe in the universe.

After choosing the fluffy one, I'm escorted to the ninth floor's huge bathroom -and I do mean huge, the thing could easily be called a pool!- where it seems like a seventh person has already drawn the 'bath.' From there, they strip me and help me into the steaming water.

One person washes my hair while giving me a scalp message, while another sharpens my already deadly claws and a third works on my toes, this all being done flawlessly as I lounging in the water. My horns also get polished. Polished!

I admit, I could have probably stopped them if I really wanted, but the truth is that I don't. While all the bowing and self-deprecating attitudes makes me highly uncomfortable and awkward -guilty, even- neither can I deny that I've always wanted to go to a spa at least once in my past life. And if not now, when will I ever be able to experience such attention and spoiling as I am right this very moment?

While the maid that had washed my hair and polished my horns has now moved onto kneading my stiff shoulders, and the second maid doing something positively magical to my wings, and the third works on my right calf, Fifth who is standing by announces;

"My Lady, Lady Albedo, Lord Demiurge, and Lord Damien have arrived and are waiting outside. What should I say to them?"

"Mmmm?" I hum sleepily. It takes a second for the maid's words to click inside my muddled brain, but when they do I regretfully open my eyes and shift, forcing the third maid to let go of my leg. "Ah, sorry, tell them that I'll be out in a minute." Damien kissing my hand and watching me sleep unwittingly flashes through my mind. I sink a little deeper into the waters. "And please tell Damien thank you, but to carry on with my other orders."

'I'm going to have to find more reasons to keep him busy, and away from me...'

"Oh, please do not apologize to one such as my lowly self! It is my mistake for disturbing you!" Fifth hastily begs, actually looking distraught, as if she just committed some kind of grave sin.

'She probably thinks she did.' 'Sorr-" I cut off my automatic saying, feeling a tad sheepish now. "It's okay, you were only doing your job," I try to sooth her instead. "I appreciate you letting me know. Ah, I'm sor -that is, which ones are you again?" I ask the three maids attending to me personally.

"Thirteenth, Eighth, and Fourth, my Lady," the one above answers immediately.

"Right. Thanks for the care, but I guess I'll have to cut it a bit short today. I don't want to force the others to wait too long," I explain.

"I'm certain that no one here in Nazarick would consider waiting on you to be a burden!" Eighth assures me. "Please do not trouble yourself on any one of ours account!"

That doesn't exactly make me feel any better..."It's fine. I should get out anyways." I rise from within the bath, and Thirteenth and Fourth steps aside to allow me out while offering a hand. The three maids that had been standing by -including Fifth- works together to quickly but thoroughly dry me off, and afterwards I'm led to the dressing room attached to the bathroom.

It's there that six different outfits are presented to me. Four of them are dresses, which Fifth holds one up in particular against the full-body mirror for me to compare.

"What do you think of this one, Milady? I believe the gold would truly bring out your bewitching eyes," she compliments, grinning wide. Around me, the other maids seem similarly buzzed, itching at the chance to dress me with an unnerving fire in their eyes.

"Er, I'm no fashionista, but I'm pretty sure that's too much gold."

The entire thing looks as if it's been crafted out of melted gold, however thin the fabric appears as it wrinkles in Fifth's hold. The crimson lining on the hems doesn't help it, either...And while I do like the cut of the dress, having long trumpet sleeves, a wide v-neck collar, and with thigh-high slits, I can't imagine it ever fitting well with my current muscle. Garish colouring aside, it looks like it's meant more for some slender, dainty beauty in high society than my packed, wide-shouldered built.

More than one player has mistaken me for a man in YGGDRASIL from the back, only to correct themselves when I turn around and notice my face and breasts.

All in all, I don't think I'll ever be able to wear a fancy dress again unless I'm aiming to appear ridiculous. At least not in my dragoniod form, human is debatable.

Fifth and the other maids looks utterly crushed. "Does this displease you, Lady Ryoko?"

"The design is lovely, but it's not something I can pull off," I try to soften the blow.

"Lady Ryoko looks magnificent in anything! There is nothing your Ladyship could look less lovely in!"

I ignore the other maid's words, instead turning to the two outfits that aren't dresses or skirts. One resembles something a Prince would wear in a royalty fantasy novel, with the gold shoulder paddings and all, while the other I find myself more inclined towards.

For one thing, most of the gold is a separate decorative/armer and more pleasing to look at, circling the shoulders and inching its way to inclose the throat without barely touching in the middle, forming tiny little spikes on top and possessing holes shaped like leafs in the front.

The actual clothing is black and a cream-hued, the cream part forming a V on the chest area and gradually narrowing at it creates a fork-tongued flap past the crotch. Black covers the sides of the torso, arms, and the pants, with more gold lining where cream meets black, along with the same coloured metals on the elbow-creases with small patches of cream tucked inside, and lastly forming a complicated, curved and sharp belt at the hips.

The back of it is completely black aside from the gold belt and what you can see from the elbow-creases gear, with an open window on the shoulder blades for my wings, as well as a hole on my lower back for my thick tail.

The maids have even included shiny dress boots that fits my dragoniod feet, offering a cute kitten-heel as a bonus.

"That one," I point at it, and the maids give their -now customary- praise for my choice while helping me into it.

Once dressed and the maids have had their moment to gush and squeal at the final product, I order Fifth to allow the others in.

Albedo leads Demiurge inside, and I can't help but notice the tinge of red lining her eyes. Discreetly sniffing the air, it's clear that she had recently been crying.

"How may we serve you, Lady Ryoko?" Albedo humbly asks, with a fist on her heart as she bends at the waist briefly.

"And may I just add how stunning you are this splendid morning?" Demiurge tacks on, eyes gleaming as he copies Albedo.

I'm glad that my hard scales are able to hide the heat on my cheeks, resisting to give myself a second glance-over. "Thank you, Demiurge. I wanted to talk to the both of you to discuss our options of hiding Nazarick from outsiders. Do either of you have any ideas?"

"Fear not, my Lady, I have already thought ahead and taken care of it," Demiurge responds proudly.

I'm surprised, but pleased to hear it. "Oh? What did you do?"

"Taking our new surroundings into account, I had Nazarick hidden in plain sight with Mare's help to create other, smaller hills. This, along with a few illusionary spells and the mounds Mare casted on Nazarick's walls, I believe will be enough to confuse and turn around outsiders." He pauses, gauging my reaction as he slowly adds, "I hope I have not overstepped by doing so, Lady Ryoko?"

"Not at all!" I reassure him, clapping him on the shoulder as I smile. "You did great, Demi."

I feel the tension drain out of him, his grin becoming more genuine (-'Oh boy, it's a sight cute enough to melt a girl's heart!'-) as his tail wags behind him. He inclines his head. "I am unworthy of such praise, I'm only relieved that I was able to see and exceed the test."

I blink. "What test?" I wonder, baffled.

Now he becomes confused, hesitating. "Was it not a test? Did you not wish to see my capabilities, for me to think ahead and hide Nazarick without having to be explicitly told so?"

"Demi, no, I -it wasn't a test. There wasn't any kind of test. Why did you think it was one?"

There's a moment of awkward silence, the two of us staring at each other. And then he suddenly drops to one knee, head bowed in shame. "Forgive my assumptious behaviour! To think that I would be able to gain even a silver of hindsight into a mind of a Supreme Being-" he doesn't finish his sentence, but the air around him is heavy enough, shackling us both to where we stand. Or kneel rather, in the case of Demiurge.

"Shall I have him punished, my Lady?" Albedo asks me, unflinching to the situation before her.

"For what?" I gape. Like, the hell? What are even the two of them on? 'This is somehow worse than when they tried to kill themselves for accidentally hurting me a couple days ago!'

Albedo opens her mouth, but I stop her with a raised hand. "You know what? Don't answer that. Just, Demi-" despite waking up not that long ago, I already feel mentally exhausted "-Please get up. You don't need to apologize for this." I grab at his arm, hauling him back on his feet. He frowns, still looking lost on what to do. Well, that makes both of us. "You still did good to think ahead," I remind him. "I'm proud."

At that, the tips of his long ears promptly redden, and he glances away with newfound shyness. "Your thanks humbles me," he coughs into his other hand.

"Okay," I sigh. "Now that's taken care of -Demi, would you mind stepping out for a moment? I'd like to speak with Albedo alone. That goes for all of you," I add towards the silent maids behind me.

"Of course not, my Lady," Demiurge steps back so that he can bow like he did when he first entered, and then dismissing himself. The six maids follow closely behind, also showing due respect before leaving.

"Have I perhaps done something to offend you, Lady Ryoko?" Albedo wonders once the door has shut, shifting nervously with her hands clasped in front of her.

"You didn't do anything wrong," I reassure her, taking one of her hands in my own, squeezing it. "I was just wondering if something is upsetting you."

She frowns, brows knitting together. "I -my Lady? I'm afraid I don't quite understand your meaning..."

"I can tell that you've been crying," I tell her bluntly. "Do you want to talk about it?"

She flushes, fiercely. "Please do not trouble yourself with such trivalisty. My deepest apologizes if I have burdened you in any way due to my pathetic display -I promise you that it will never happen again, and that it will not hinder me as I carry out your will!"

I sigh again. "Albedo, please don't talk about yourself like that. If anything, it troubles me to not be able to help you, especially after everything you've done for me. But, of course, if you aren't comfortable with telling me...I don't want to force you, either."

She fidgets on her spot, tugging at her dress with her free hand and clasping my own in her other. After a long minute of weighting her choices, she finally whispers; "If I should be so selfish, would you mind indulging me for one question?"

"Of course! Ask me anything," I smile softly.

"Why did Lord Momonga abandoned me? Why would he have me love him if he was doing to leave? Why did all of the other Supreme Beings abandoned us? What did we do to deserve such a punishment?"

A small part of me wants to point out that's more than "one" question, but swelling tears in her large, imploring eyes stops any urge to tease her dead in its tracks. Instead, I feel a part of my heart breaking for the clear anguish shown in Albedo.

"Oh, honey," I murmur sadly as I pull her into a tight embrace. For a second I worry that I've overstepped since she's so stiff, but then in the next second she melts and clutches me back, sobbing into my chest. Although she's only a head shorter than me, I'm easily able to pick her up so that she sits on my lap when I lower myself. I rub her back, making soft shhhing noises, gently rocking her back and forth, and curling my tail around her hips for further comfort.

Once she's finally cried her heart out and is left with only miserable sniffles, I start explaining;

"First of all, Albedo, it is not your fault that the others left. It's not anyone's fault, do you understand?" I press my thumb on her cheek in order to wipe away a stray tear.

"B-But-"

I shake my head, cutting her protests short. "No. It's not your fault. Albedo, what I'm going to say next might be confusing, but try to stay open-minded, okay? And try to hold back your questions until the end."

She wordlessly nods, burying her face into my collar, the tip of her white horn digging into the soft parts of my scales behind my left ear. I take the moment to gather my own thoughts, trying to see how best to approach this delicate matter.

A delicate matter that I myself don't completely understand.

I clear my throat, resuming the soothing on her back. "Albedo, the truth is that the other 'Supreme Beings' and I aren't as...Magical as you and everyone seems to assume."

She stiffens all over again, head snapping up with her mouth open to argue. But she stops herself, lips pursing with the obvious effort it takes to remain silent.

I ignore this and continue; "We lived in a different world, which we called the 'real world,' or just IRL for 'in real life.' But in that world people were able to create entirely new, fake worlds and universes for amusement and monetary profit, and so sold the chance to visit these other realms for a price. YGGDRASIL, the world Nazarick was originally in, was one of these. The other Supreme Beings and I were 'players,' and created avatars to experience the world since we could not take our real bodies with us.

These avatars had a lot of limitations, like we couldn't smell, touch, or taste anything. But neither could we feel pain, grow sick, and any 'damage' our avatars took didn't transfer to our real bodies. Death didn't actually affect us, either, since we could simply re-spawn. Though we lost some levels when we did, and would have to work to get them back.

But the point is, Albedo, no one was 'alive' in YGGDRASIL aside from other players. NPCs..." I hesitate here, wondering if it's really for the best if I tell her this. But I can't think of another way, and she deserves some answers. So does everyone else. "We never thought our creations could ever be like us. You guys only acted on your settings, and only understood and followed a few select orders. We never considered the fact that you would be able to think for yourselves, or feel any emotions.

I know that the others put in a lot of care when they were creating you, and some may have loved you more than others-" here, I decide to fudge the truth, just a little, by skipping over how some of the guild members fell out of love for the game -"-But then the makers of YGGDRASIL announced that they were going to shut it down for good. Apparently they weren't making enough money for it, and the funding had been cancelled. Albedo, please believe me when I tell you that none of us wanted to leave Nazarick, least of all Momonga and I.

That day when Momonga and I sat on the thrones...We thought it would be our last in Nazarick. We felt absolutely terrible about it, but there was nothing we could do." I can't help but chuckle a little, full of irony. "To be honest, I don't even know how this all happened. One day, you and the NPCs are just cleverly crafted tools, and the next you're living, breathing, real people!"

I think about Shalltear, and all of the other undead residing in the Tomb. "Well, some of you are living and breathing at least, " I amend.

Albedo remains silent and tense in my arms, not that I expect this revelation to be easy to swallow in any way. But the silence grows on, to the point I wonder if I broke her. Then I realize that she's waiting for permission to speak.

"Ah, you can ask your questions now. I'm finished."

"I-Is that why Lord Momonga commanded I love him?" Albedo asks me, voice cracking. "H-He didn't believe I would actually feel it?"

"No, I'm sorry." I squeeze her tighter, for however little it may help in reality. "Trust me, he would have never done it if he thought it would actually hurt you, or even choose to remain in the real world if he knew there was the smallest possibility what he could stay here in Nazarick!"

She goes quiet again at this, a fresh wave of grief overcoming her. I comfort her to the best of my abilities through it all, until she's run out, sapped of all energy as she lays limp in my arms. "My Lady, would you rather we go back to how we were? When we could not move without explicit orders? Or speak at all? Would you prefer it if we were non-thinking, emotionless tools?"

"Oh, no, no, no, no-" I cup her face, tipping it up so that I can kiss her forehead. "Honey, no, I would never. I think the way you and the others are right now is much, much better!"

"Please don't ever leave us, Lady Ryoko," Albedo rasps, turning in my hold and clinging onto my neck piece desperately, body trembling. "W-We may pale compared to your home world, but we'll do anything -anything, you must only ask of it of us! Every fibre of our being belongs you! Our very lives -as many times as it takes! I-If we displease you in anyway -Please, I beg of you, don't leave us like the other Supreme Beings," she sobs. "Anything but that. Don't go to the Real World-! O-Or, perhaps, at least take us with you-!"

"Sshh, shhh," I pet her silky hair, resuming my rocking. "I'm not leaving, I'm not leaving you. I promise you. I'm here to stay."

I don't think I even could. But if given the opportunity, I'm not sure I would.

It may sound callous of me, heartless even, but my past life...It was not the best. As a corporate slave, and with a messy, sometimes toxic family...I had used video games and fantasy novels to often escape that reality, if only for a few hours. If someone were to present a portal to the old world right now...

To be perfectly honest, I think I would rather ask the person to close it.

It takes several more minutes of reassurance and promises before Albedo's desperate pleas and begging dies down, and even longer for the tremors to calm. Eventually, she wipes the tears from her swollen eyes and leans back far enough to look at me properly, gasping when she spots the wet stains she's left behind on my clothing.

A sudden gust of wind later, she's flown out of my arms, prostrating herself across from me, the jumbled butch of apologizes starting anew. "-I am unworthy! For this lowly servant to take advantages of your generosity, and to ruin your clothes-"

"Albedo, that's enough," I interrupt her sternly as I stand, hands on my hips and patience waning. "Enough. I'm not leaving, and I don't care if you got my clothes wet. So stop saying sorry, got it? Now, please stand up," I finish with a sigh.

She does so, sniffing and looking even more miserable than when she first arrived.

I sigh again, hands dropping. This is not how I wanted this to go. "I think you should lay down," I tell her in a more gentler tone. "Take a day off, rest, and let everything sink in."

"M-May I at least be allowed to first inform the other Guardians of what you have told me, my Lady?" She whispers, gaze downcast.

"Of course," I respond. "You can tell anyone you want in Nazarick. In fact, please try to spread the word."

'It'll help me so that I don't need to repeat myself,' I think to myself.

She nods her head, bowing at the waist. "Then, please excuse me, Lady Ryoko." She goes and opens a door, but hesitates at the last second. "Shall I call forth the maids?"

"Just Fifth, please," I answer as I try to rub away my budding headache.

'I haven't even been awake for a full four hours, and I already want to climb back in bed...'

I can already see that's going to be a long one ahead.

Chapter Text

It was, indeed, a long, emotionally draining day.

After my talk with Albedo I go to the grand dinning room here on the ninth floor and am served a wide variety of breakfast foods. Including, to my slight amusement, a tray of all sorts of precious metals and gems for my consumption.

I won't deny that I wasn't curious how any of them might taste, but in the end decide to push that exploration for another time.

Although the table had near been bursting with the buffet style meal, and despite my first assumption that this is obviously too much for one person, my hungry, hungry dragon stomach strikes again.

I suppose I wasn't able to see it the day before at dinner because Cocytus ate just as much, but I really can eat my weight and then some in this body.

I scare even myself...

After devouring the majority of the foods I decide that first and foremost, I must fix this new flight issue. I head towards the sixth floor's arena with Fifth dutifully following behind first, but once at the entrance I notice Aura trying to train one of her giant beasts. Not wanting to interrupt, I then decide to go up to the seventh floor instead.

The stifling and searing heat on the seventh floor feels only pleasantly warm on my scales -which instantly brings me to my morning bath. I pause, turning to look at Fifth over my shoulder.

"My Lady?" She inquires curiously.

I hesitate. "Fifth..." I shake my head, mumbling to forget it as I continue onward. 'No wonder the maids had done their best not to come into direct contact with the water while washing me. The water probably would have covered them in blisters in no time at the very least!'

It makes me want to experiment what my new temperature tolerances are...

I ignore the lesser NPCs for the most part -no, not NPCs anymore- as they stop and stare, bowing as I pass. Because I know if I take the time to chat with each and every one, I won't actually have any time to do what I've came here to do. Still, completely ignoreing them doesn't sit well with me, so I offer them a tight-lipped smile and a few waves to acknowledge them.

My feet take me to a little cliff overhang. Slow leaks of lava drips from between the cracks, but not nearly enough to cause too big of a problem when climbing. The drop is about eight feet, and there's a bigger one further down the floor, however that one happens to overlook the main source of lava with very, very few safe landing spots on the bottom.

I don't fancy testing out my body's limits nearly as dangerously as that, or soon.

"Lady Ryoko?"

Turning to the sound of Demiurge's smooth voice, I see the archdevil making his way towards us with large strides. And if I didn't know any better, I'd say that he's barely holding back the spring in his step as he does so. His tail swayed lazily behind him, but picks up speed the closer he draws, the wide grin nearly splitting his face in two.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, my Lady?"

I tilt my head, wondering what could have happened for him to be in such a cheery mood. "Has Albedo told you...Everything already?"

His grin widens, if that's at all possible. "Indeed she has, Lady," he purrs with hand on his heart, the other hiding behind his back. "Although is saddens me greatly to hear the state of YGGDRASIL, to have the privilege to know..." He drops to one knee, staring up at me with unabashed, heart-stopping devotion. "Though you may try to argue that you and the other Supreme Beings are nothing of note, please forgive my insolence when I say that nothing could possibly be more untrue," he breathes.

"Demi-"

"The very fact that you view the ability to create and visit different worlds at your leisure as insignificant only enhances your unattainable superiority in my eyes. Whether you meant for it to be or not, I know I speak for all of Nazarick when I thank you to the bottom of my heart that you stayed until the very end. We could not continue without your divine wisdom, your benevolent leadership, for without you we have no purpose. I beg of you, though I may be terribly out of line -please, do punish me as you see fit- however, I only ask that you repeat the vow you made to Albedo earlier."

I'm starting to think that everyone here is a masochist with how often 'punishment' is brought up lately. "Demi," I begin gently, weakly as I fall to a couch in front of him. "Do I scare you?"

His diamond eyes rounds, glinting in the sparse light. "N-No! My Lady, you could never!" he gasps, horrified by the mere suggestion.

"Then please stop all this nonsense about punishment. It makes me sad to think yourself so worthless, to imagine that you and everyone else is walking on eggshells around me. You don't need to apologizes over every little thing, you know."

He bows his head, shame faced. "I-" he swallows his words, trying again; "That was never my intention, Lady Ryoko. I only ever desire to provide the very best and give you the due respect you deserve." His fist balls, trembling while his tail has tucked itself around his feet.

"I know," I smile softly, giving into the urge to ruffle his hair. It's softer than I ever imagined it could be. "And I promise you that I don't have any plans of leaving Nazarick. That being said, if you really want to help me...I do have a favour to ask of you."

"Anything! Just give me the command, Lady Ryoko, and it shall be ours! Even if it requires my very life!"

'Oh my god, even after all that, we're still on square one?!'

My headache only grows worse.

"Nothing that drastic," I sigh. "I just need your help to learn how to fly."

Demiurge spends the next four hours helping me learn how to fly, but of course not without the highly embarrassing confession as to why I need help in the first place.

Demiurge, of course, assures me over and over again that it's nothing to fret over, and that he'd be more than pleased -honoured- to "assist me in this endeavour."

Still doesn't make me feel any less like an awkward baby duckling as I struggle to carry my own weight in the air.

We start off just the simple of flapping of my wings, making sure that I know how to work them. Then I try to glide off the little cliff, with the help of one of Demiurge's minions who has wind magic.

I will forever be thankful that my scales are sturdy as hell. If I had soft human flesh I'm positive that I would never be able to stand against the rough, cutting rocks both on the cliff and on the ground. Considering the multiple crash landings on my failed attempts, I have no doubt that I wouldn't be covered with bruises and blood by the time I finally get the hang of it.

More than anything else, though...The memory of Demiurge's phantom touches as he stretches my wings himself, or the whispers of his hot breath on my neck will be haunting me late at night.

His intimate presence makes me so dizzy I nearly call off the whole thing right then and there, delicious shivers racing up my spine from where he touches my sensitive wings, but somehow I'm able to pull my mind out of the gutter long enough to gather my wits and step back, giggling nervously as I fumble to remember the instructions he had just been telling me.

I want the ground to swallow me whole.

Perhaps he senses this, because he never tries to invade my personal space like that again, and keeps to demonstrating the correct movements with his own wings.

When I get to the point that my back muscles are screaming at me, and my knees feel weak, I put an end to the lesson.

"What are your next plans, my Lady?" Demiurge inquires politely as his wings fold themselves behind him.

Right on cue, my stomach growls. I smile sheepishly, still not quite used to my new appetite. "Probably eat," I admit.

"If you permit me to be so selfish, may I please escort you to the dining room?"

"Sure! I'd love it; do you want to eat with me?"

"I-I wouldn't dare to presume-" he cuts himself off, noticing my narrow-eyed look. Clearing his throat, he corrects himself; "It would be an utmost pleasure to share a meal with you, Lady Ryoko."

My smile widens, and I happily hook an arm in his, causing the tips of his ears to burn a deep red. "Great! Let's go, then!"

We start walking, and Fifth breaks away from the lingering crowd of demonic minions that had stayed to watch me fail for the past four hours.

Demiurge seems content to simply lead in silence, tucking my hand against his warm side, but I've never been the best person to stay idle for long...Trying to think of conversation topics, and trashing a few due to the possibility of it leading to more grovelling (-honestly, I never thought I would have to worry about this with another person-) I finally settle on; "So...Demi, what do you usually do all day?"

"Patrol the seventh floor and investigate any possibility of intruders, my Lady."

The proud way he says this makes his words all the more depressing, and I can't help the wince for it. 'That, that actually hurts to hear.'

"Oh, but of course the moments I treasure the most are the times your ladyship and Lord Ulbert deem me worth visiting," he adds.

I miss a step, and it's only Demiurge's support that saves me from stumbling.

"My-"

"What?" I squeak, stomach sinking as I use my other hand to manoeuvre him to face me head-on. "Demi, did you -how- when's your earliest memory?" I demand.

He frowns. "Well...While I do have faint impressions of when Lord Ulbert was creating me, I would have to say my clearest is when he had demonstrated myself to some of the other Supreme Beings for the first time."

I'm starting to feel faint. "D-Does that mean you remember everything after that-?"

"Of course! I have dedicated my utmost abilities to memorize every battle, every sighting with a Supreme Beings as to better serve and fulfil my scared duties!"

'Oh god, that means-' That means that every embarrassing, every ridiculous or whimsical thing I've forced him to do in the past-

I want to die. Right here, right now.

"Lady Ryoko? I have done something wrong, by chance?" he asks me, sounding anxious and deeply concerned.

I laugh ironically, shaking head buried in my hands. "No, no, you're fine -I'm just a bit embarrassed right now," I confess sheepishly. 'If only I could turn back time-'

I sense shadows of Demiurge hesitating to touch my arms or hands, before awkwardly dropping them to his sides.

I take in a long inhale, steeling myself before I lower my hands, just a bit. "I am so sorry for everything I've done to you. I didn't -if I knew you were...Conscious, the entire time, I wouldn't have done...Everything I did."

The many, many things I wouldn't have done...

(My only saving grace is that I ever tried to mimic what I imagined he would sound like in my fantasies out loud.)

"You regret our time together?" Demiurge's wounded, crushed expression causes a sharp spike of guilt to pierce my chest, leaving me floundering.

"No! No, that's not it, I just-" A frustrated sound escapes the back of my throat. Ah, crap, what am I even doing?! How did I get myself into this mess?! And how do I get out of it?! "Okay, okay, look, let me ask you this; did you ever dislike it when I ordered you to do something? Like...Like positioning your body in sometimes awkward or embarrassing positions for my own amusement when you weren't able to refuse? Or even fight and kill your own minions?"

"Never, Lady Ryoko!" The volume and sheer conviction behind his words startles me. "On the contrary, it gave me immense pride and joy to know that I was able to assist in relieving your ladyship's stress, even if it was only for small period!"

"Even when I had you do the macarena dance by my own hands...?" I hedge. "Or ranted to you for hours?"

"Of course. It was a privilege and honour of the highest caliber that your ladyship would confide in my lowly self so," he reiterates confidently, puffing out his chest as he does so. "Although it remains my greatest shame that I was unable to truly act as to eliminate the sources of your ladyship's troubles due to my own disgraceful limitations, I have since constructed several plans as to terminate the filthy maggots that dare to go against your ladyship's will," he snarls the last bit, grin turning savage as his tail thwumps against the rocky floor.

"W-Wha..?" I'm for a lost of words. Could it be that he's referring to my annoying, obnoxious past classmate? The one belonging to the guild I had been trying to raid for some time now?

Indeed, Demiurge clears his throat, clarifying; "I believe your ladyship had often addressed him as 'the bastard'?"

"Um, yeah. What-What kind of plans, exactly...?"

"If you would will it, Lady Ryoko, I can explain them in further detail. I have several maps and charts in my chambers that would aide in doing so," he offers eagerly.

A bit dazed from this whiplash of emotions -both from himself and myself- I can only stare and blink blankly. "Er, sure. Lunch can wait."

Behind us, Fifth clears her throat politely. "Please forgive the intrusion, my Lady, however if you still desire to eat I can always have the food brought to Lord Demiurge's personal chambers?"

"There is no need for that," Demiurge cuts in, seeming a tad embarrassed now by the implications. "I wouldn't dare presume to force your ladyship to do such a thing! Please, continue onto the dining room and I will bring the appropriate papers forth."

In a funny way, Demiurge's embarrassment helps lessens the majority of my own. With this turn of events, I can officially be comfortable with looking the archdevil in the eye again. "Sure. I guess I'll meet you there?" I agree easily.

"I will not but be a moment, my Lady," he assures me, bowing at the waist before separating from Fifth and I.

I turn to the maid, who is waiting ever patiently. "Let's go, I guess?"

It doesn't take us too long to arrive at the dinning room, which is why I'm surprised to see the table full of food once again so soon. As far as I'm aware, it all looks freshly prepared, and Fifth had stayed by my side the whole time, so it's not like she could have notified the kitchen...Unless she did? [Message] perhaps? Can the level one maids even do [Message]?

Fifth hurries over to pull out the chair at the head for me, and blushes prettily when I thank her.

My eye immediately catches onto the large tray of priceless metals and gems, just like this morning. 'You know what? Why not.' Plucking a gleaming sapphire from the pile, no bigger than a baby potato, I examine it for a short second before placing it my mouth.

Moving it around with my tongue, I can't say it tastes like anything in particular. It easily shatters into tiny pieces under my sharp teeth when I start chewing, and swallowing it...My eyes widen, feeling a sudden wave of energy washing over me, not unlike when I had ate dirt two days ago, but so much more.

The sores and weariness of my time learning how to fly instantly disappears, and I feel as if I could take on the world anew!

"Oh, wow..." I breathe. I grab a handful and consume the rest with gusto.

"Is the meal satisfactory, Lady Ryoko?" Fifth asks me hopefully.

"Yeah, it's great," I smile, propping up an elbow on the edge. "Tell the kitchen and Suos-Chef thanks for me."

She beams. "We desire no greater honour! If you'll permit it, and are need of no further service at the moment, may I do so at this time?"

I wave her off, and Fifth curtsies before scurrying off to the kitchen.

Just as she's exiting the room, Demiurge walks in, carrying a decent stack of papers with him and...

'Is that a billboard?'

I can't help but grin as one of Demiurge's many lackeys -a tiny green imp, dressed in rags- rolls an actual billboard behind his boss's heels, complete with different pictures, maps, and varying colours of strings connecting them all.

'Did I just stumble upon a murder investigation?' I muse, amusement bubbling up inside.

Well, this should be interesting.

"That will be all," Demiurge addresses the imp, pushing up his glasses.

The imp makes himself scarce without further adieu.

"I apologize for the wait, Lady Ryoko," he tells me, in a completely different tone than he had used with the imp.

"It's fine, Demi. Do you want to eat before you start, though? It looks quiet...Thorough."

He smirks -dare I say smugly?- at that. "But of course, I wouldn't dare to present anything less than perfection to your ladyship. To do so would be an immense dishonour, and sacrilege. "

I laugh. "Well, alright, Mr. Perfectionist, why don't you sit down and eat with me already?" I gesture towards the seat on my right, where there was a spare set of tableware placed.

He gracefully does so, putting his stack of papers on an empty part of the table. He only starts filling his own plate when I shoot him a look, realizing that he intended to wait until I was finished myself.

We slip into idle chatter at first, Demiurge inquiring if everything in Nazarick is up to 'acceptable standards' and if I'm comfortable, which I respond with yes, yes, and yes -a part of me wonders what would happen if I said 'no,' but I can imagine that consequence all too easily, which dissuades me from uttering any disappointment of any kind- until I comment;

"You know, I'm really curious what this new world is like. Like, is it more like my old world, or YGGDRASIL? I'm kinda just waiting for Damien to get back until then."

Demiurge stills, the grip on his fork tightening. "I see," he responds evenly, resuming his eating like his odd reaction earlier never happened. "And does your ladyship intend to only take Damien at that time?"

I open my mouth to reply, but he continues hurriedly:

"I mean no disrespect, however, in such a place we know next to the nothing about, one can never be too careful towards the unknown, especially when it comes to the safety of the last Supreme Being -and, while I hold no illusions that Damien isn't the best individual for his position, being your ladyship's own precious creation, I can't help but grow concerned over his capabilities of adequately protecting yourself, Lady Ryoko. It would ease my -and the rest of the Guardians'- selfish worries if you would permit others to join as well. I do believe that two Guardians and the Pleiades Maids would suffice, at the very least."

"Er, don't you think that's a bit of an overkill? I'm not looking to make a big scene, just look around and stuff," I counter hesitantly. "And, I mean, while I did think of bringing one other person, Damien wasn't going to be it..."

"Did you not say that you were waiting on Damien's return, my Lady?"

"Yeah, but that was for the information. I need to know if non-humans even exist in this place, and if they do, what are their relationship with the humans first. That will change either or not I'll be going in my dragoniod or human form, and who I take with me..."

"But of course! Please forgive my blunder; Truly, you are wise and cunning leader without peer!" he praises me. "If I may, who do you intend to bring with you in either case?"

"Well, if the supernatural are widely accepted, I was thinking of bringing you with me..." I admit, smiling shyly as I avoid direct eye contact.

Demiurge grins widely at this confession, and the tension in his shoulders releases as he leans forward. "It would be an honour and a duty I hold most dear to be able to escort you, my Lady. However, if not me...?"

"If I can't bring you with me, I'll have to see who'll fit best. Someone who won't stand out -which, admittedly, kinda crosses out all of the floor Guardians- and who's personality won't pose a problem. " I say this, thinking about Damien's impressive acting skills that I had given him and almost normal appearance, wishing all the more I hadn't made him a yandere of all things.

Not for the first time, I curse my past self.

But since I did and he is, the 'human' restrictions really don't leave a lot of people left. CZ Delta and Entoma are out for obvious reasons, but I also worry over Solution and Narberal's deep hatred for humans. Then there's the Lupu girl's strong, twisted sadistic nature...So, really, that only leaves Sebas or Yuri as appropriate options.

"What if I were to discover a means to disguise myself as a human?" Demiurge asks as he leans in further, elbows resting on the table and fingers inter-woven.

'His fingers are so long...'

"Do you have something in mind?"

He hesitates. "...I once heard Lord Ulbert and Lord Momonga mention a magical ring in passing," he begins, straightening. "Oh, but I don't mean overstep, my Lady! I wouldn't dream of being so bold as to take a Supreme Being's precious belongings normally, however, Lord Momonga did say that he already possessed one, and was inquiring if Lord Ulbert would like it instead. Lord Ulbert had declined at the time, and so Lord Momonga said he would place it in the treasury..."

"Oh! You mean the Ring of Loki?" The memory of seeing that same ring in the in-game market once or twice springs to mind. While I can't recall which Tier it is, I do believe it allowed the wearer to put up an illusion spell to appear as any race they wanted to.

Nothing close to customizing your own avatar when first signing up, but it at least had randomized look for a bunch of races to choose from. Humans included, of course. And now that I'm thinking about it, I'm pretty sure I gave Damien one myself a couple years back.

"That's perfect, Demi! If we can find it in the treasury later, that'll fix all our problems!"

"I am unworthy of such high praise, my Lady," he clears his throat, but his small smile says that he's pleased nonetheless. "I am simply glad that I could be of service."

The conversation drifts to other topics, until we've both wrapped up our meal and more servants come to take the empty plates away.

"Would you like anything else, Milady?" Fifth -who I didn't notice came back- wonders eagerly.

"I'm stuffed, thanks," I respond while patting my stomach. Idly, I wonder if the possibility of overeating and getting fat even exists for me now, with my crazy fast metabolism...

Demiurge then proceeds to go over his plans of total domination and elimination with great detail. Little comments I had made here and there in my rants, about the annoying classmate and what I've discovered about their dungeon so far are carefully marked, and from there Demiurge assigns what he believes to be the best person in Nazarick to tackle the obstacle, NPC, or guild member.

I can't help but notice how my own role in any of these plans are minimal at best. It basically boils down to "swagger into the final boss level after we've beaten the opponents in your steed" -though, of course, he puts it in a much more 'refined' saying.

When I point that out to him Demiurge responds with something about their duty to serve and that he couldn't possibly ask me to dirty my 'divine' hands.

All in all, though, throughout the entirely of the lengthy lecture, warmth blooms in my chest, and I can't hold back the silly grin stretching my cheeks. I never thought anyone would go to such measures to help me...It's touching.

Makes me feel all pleasantly gooey inside.

Yeah, I'm definitely here to stay.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

The city of E-Rantal seems to be stuck in in the western time period of horse carriages, but still with indoor plumbing.

The last thing I am is a historian, so I really can't say what era this would be in Earth's frame, but nonetheless, I am immensely relieved that the civilizations isn't anything too different from my homeland's own distant past.

And the indoor plumbing. Indoor plumbing is very much appreciated.

"Please watch your step, my-" Demiurge swallows his words, grimacing to himself at his near slip as he tries to subtly herd me around the small puddle on the cobblestone.

I smile wryly, noticing how stiff he's become since we've been allowed to enter the city's walls.

It seems we've hit on a busy day, with the sidewalks bustling with people and horses pulling open carriages on the street. Wooden stands and bricked shops alike try to attract more customers with a few employees holding up signs with deals on them, almost pushing them in your face, and I spot a few lured customers trying to haggle prices with the sellers.

The loud chatter and almost overwhelming mix of different scents causes my temples to ache, and I can see myself working up quite the headache if stuck here for too long.

'I suppose super-senses isn't always a blessing,' I grumble to myself. I eye Demiurge, wondering how he's handling all of this himself. He's nearly as straight as a ruler, shoulders tense, gaze flickering here and there as he tries to guard me from the buzzing crowd with his own body. His eyes are narrowed and sharp for any possible threat, lips pursed.

(I can't help but be hyper-aware of every time his body brushes my own, the sensation lingering.)

"Relax," I tell him with a hand on his right arm. "They aren't going to jump out and attack us, you know," I tease.

Demiurge inclines his head. "Forgive me. While I don't believe these...Sheep are of any current threat, I wish that you didn't need to subject yourself to such filth."

Well, that just about ruins my good mood. "De-Dagan, please don't call them filth," I frown. "That's a bit uncalled for; we're in a middle of a city, mid-day. You can't expect people to respect personal space right now."

His eyes widen, as if I had just graced him with some kind of holy wisdom. "Oh, but of course! I deeply apologize, I shouldn't utter such things in risk of our mission. You are as correct and insightful as always!"

That...I don't think he got quite what I was going for, but I swallow around the awkward lump in my throat and redirect my gaze anyways. "Ah, well, you shouldn't be talking like that either -not that I don't find it charming-" 'Shut up, shut, why would you say that?!' "But, um, it doesn't really fit with your current appearance, you know? Just, ah, try to be more casual. I guess."

"Of course!"

"Right. Well, do you have any idea where the adventure guild might be? Can you read any of the signs?"

Demiurge cranes his neck to try to read the different writings around us, shaking his head. "My apologies- that is, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that I am illiterate in this language. Though, it's very curious how we're able to understand them verbally..."

"Yeah, it is pretty weird..."

Rather stupidly, I didn't think of the possibility that this new world would have a langauge barrier before leaving Nazarick. Which is a big problem now. I'm fluent in both English and Japanese, but the symbols posted in this city isn't similar to either or any other language from the old world. It's not even similar to Ancient Norse, which YGGDRASIL would sometimes have for magical items before the Japanese translation.

I don't think there's even a magic item in the treasury that could offer an easy solution. 'I suppose I'll have to try my hand at a third language now.'

"At some point we're going to have learn the written language," I comment idly. "Though, I'm not sure how, considering it would be weird for two full grown adults to not know already -well, um..." I trail off, wondering if that might not be the case on second thought.

We might actually be able to get away with it if we say that we're from a far off rural village...Maybe...Probably not with the current (good quality) armer we're wearing right now...

"If it pleases you, I can always have it arranged for a human to be taken to Nazarick as to assis-help you with this matter," he offers.

I chuckle, before realizing that Demiurge is actually perfectly serious. The laughter die rather quickly. "Dagan, we can't just kidnap a random stranger," I tell him slowly, making sure that he understands me.

He tilts his head curiously. "I can assure you that it would be a simple task. Naturally, we would search for the best educator, but it would be done so that their disappearance would not lead back to us or the Great Tomb. The last thing I wish is to endanger our mission in any way."

"I- no. Just no. We are not going to kidnap someone! Kidnapping is bad." Even as the words fall from my lips, a part of me still can't believe that this is something I have to explain. For a moment, I wish desperately that I wasn't the only one left behind, so that I can share the exasperation with a fellow guild member.

A complicated expression crosses Demiurge's face, seemingly as if in deep contemplation.

As he does that, I search the area for someone to ask for directions. Everyone looks so determined -lots of things to do, very little time to do them...

'There!'

Grabbing Demiurge's hand, I wave through the busy bodies in order to break away from the main crowd, stepping into a small patch of a natural, central park where an older man is sitting on a wooden bench, eating his sandwich alone.

"Excuse me," I clear my throat once I'm a small distance away.

The man pauses, glancing up with his food still raised. "Yes?" he questions, rubbing the crumbs from his grey-haired moustache. He appears reasonably well-off, maybe mid-forties, with clean and primed clothes and worn leather boots.

"Hi," I smile. "Sorry to bother you, but I wondering if you could point me and my friend in the direction of the adventure's guild? We're new in town, and don't have a clue to where it could be."

His lips twitch, before he smothers his own smile. "The Guild, eh?" He examines Demiurge and I with a curious, critical eye, lingering on the sword at my hip and the magic staff in Demiurge's other hand.

Considering that Ulbert didn't gift him with any swordsmanship skills, or any weapon skills really, and since he can't just use his demonic abilities while playing human, I was luckily able to find a replacement in the treasury with Pandora's help.

It's a very unique, special staff that Momonga spent quite the pretty penny in order to get a while back. This is because its super rare (only fifteen in existence) and doesn't actually require the 'castor' to have magic spells themselves. You only need to charge it up beforehand with someone else's MP, and then anyone will be able to use the basic elemental spells installed at your leisure.

The only down side is that it has a 24hr cool down after all of the stored MP is used up, and it can't cast anything higher than Seventh-Tier. But, well, that shouldn't be a problem.

"Are you guys just starting out?" The man asks.

"Yeah! We just arrived a few hours ago, actually, and the plan is to sign up before booking in at an inn. Are you part of the guild, maybe?"

"Retired, sadly," he sighs, through he doesn't seem too troubled by this fact. "But I can show you the way, no problem." He wraps up his unfinished sandwich before pushing off, wiping away a few stray crumb on his pants.

"Thanks, I appreciate it! I'm Naila, by the way, and this is my teammate Dagan," I offer an outstretched hand, which the man takes gladly. His grip is firm, and I can feel the callouses on his palm, telling of years of weapon handling.

Beside me, Demiurge twitches, watching the handshake.

"Pleasure to meet you two, name's Pluton Ainzach. The guild could use some fresh meat," he grins good naturally.

I laugh, and Pluton and Demiurge also shake hands. With Pluton leading, we start making our way to the guild while chatting.

"How long were you an adventure before retiring?" Demiurge asks politely. "What did you specialize in?"

"Ah, I started in my early twenties, and learned the art of the sword by my father, bless his soul. But what about you?" he turns to me, gesturing to my own long sword. "How long have you been practising? We don't get too many female warriors around these parts."

"About seven years now," I reply.

We start going down the rabbit hole of swords and blade work, with Pluton sprinkling in a few of his adventures with his days of killing the undead in the Katze Plains, until he redirects it back do Demiurge:

"What kind of magic do you use? I admit that I might not be the most knowledgable when it comes to the magic side of things, but it doesn't take a genius to see the craftsmanship put in that staff of yours."

"It was a family heirloom," Demiurge lies smoothly. "I'm a Third Tier magician, primarily within the fire element."

Pluton whistles, nodding in appreciation. "That's very impressive for a young man your age -did you turn fifteen this year? Perhaps sixteen?"

I'm unable to completely hide my short of laughter in time, pressing a fist into my tight-lipped smile. 'Fifteen-!' Stealing a quick glance, I have to acknowledge that with Demiurge's current mousy, unassuming appearance, he does come off as a shy teenager at first.

It makes me wonder what Pluton thought the two of our relationship was. Aunt and nephew? Mother and son-?

Demiurge's right brow twitches, and his own smile becomes strained. "Twenty five, actually," he corrects coolly.

"Ah." Pluton is quiet for a moment, as we all are, plunged in heavy awkwardness, until he clears his throat and redirects the conversation. "How did the two of you meet again?"

"We grew up in the same neighbourhood as kids," I answer. "Our mothers had been friends themselves."

Pluton nods in understanding, and the rest of the walk in spend in silence. It only takes us about another five minutes until we arrive at the large Guild. A bell chimes as we enter, and the receptionist -a young brunette with a pink commoner dress and hat- immediately glances up to greet us.

"Ah, welcome, Guildmaster! I didn't think you'd be in today," she smiles pleasantly towards Pluton.

I feel my stomach drop. 'Guildmaster-?'

Pluton's smile widens into a grin as he meets my eye, and he winks. "I'm just dropping by," he assures the receptionist. "Why don't you get a couple of the application forms and I'll take these two newbies into my office?"

"Of course, Guildmaster," she inclines her head before turning around to go digging in one of the drawers.

"You didn't tell us you were the Guildmaster, Plut-Guildmaster," I chuckle nervously, rubbing the back of my neck. Dear God, I hope that Demiurger and I didn't offend him in any way-!

"Well, you never asked," he counters easily, clearly enjoying this.

'Touche.'

The next three hours are spend with Pluton quizzing us on our abilities and past experiences. He's a lot more thorough than I thought it would be -but maybe I've simply been spoiled with real video games- but in retrospect, all of the papers needing signed makes since. It's like any membership with day-to-day bodily risks trying to protect themselves from being sued.

Pluton also goes into the Guild's rules and how it works, explaining that everyone has to start at copper regardless of family connections or skills. There are seasonal exams, however, so that individuals and teams alike can try to rise within the ranks with an examiner booked and present, with a few noticeable exceptions if you mange to pull off an impressive enough mission.

Admittedly, most of the time, I'm worrying about hiding my and Demiurge's illiteracy, but thankfully, Pluton seems happy enough to gives us the basics of the contract verbally and only slides the papers over when he's finished.

Demiurge and I sign at the bottom, and Pluton asks us what our duo will be called.

"Team Isekai," I grin. I've been looking forward to this question all day, secretly relishing in my inside joke. (I crack myself up sometimes!)

Pluton arches a brow, but dutifully starts to write it down. "And how would you spell it?"

"Could I do it?"

He passes the paper and the quill, and I write 'isekai' down in my native language, English.

"I-Is this runes? I don't think I've ever seen this language before."

Well, that's a relief to know that this world has multi-languages.

I shrug my shoulders, an idea springing to mind. "It's my mother tongue. Unfortunately, this is a unique word, and I don't think your's has a direct translation for it."

Suddenly, Demiurge becomes hyper-curious about the single, written word, and he leans over to memorize it better.

"What does it mean? Where did the two of you say you were born again?"

I try my best not to give too many details while still answering Pluton's many questions, and eventually -though not soon enough in my opinion- Pluton gathers the fact that he isn't going to truly crack me, and allows Demiurge and I to leave.

We spend a few more minutes chatting with the other adventures on the main floor, all very friendly and with good-natured heckling for the newbies. People mostly ask we're from, and marvel or ogle over my strong build -"for a woman/girl" and "you don't see a lot of swordswomen around these parts!"- is often commented.

When we finally exit the Guild, the shopping hustle of this afternoon has mostly died down, and my gnawing stomach reminds me that its diner time.

Now.

"Are you alright?" I ask Demiurge, frowning.

He's hasn't said a single word since we left Pluton's office -no, until our team's namesake was chosen, with a slight dumbstruck expression on his face.

He shakes himself out of his stupor, plastering a smile on for my benefit. "Perfectly, my-" he coughs, clearing his throat. "I apologies for needlessly worrying you. May I ask what the plan is now that we've succeeded in joining the Guild? Shall we find temporary accommodations?"

"Come on, you can tell me," I nudge him with my elbow. "What's on your mind?"

He hesitates. "I am simply in awe of being privileged to be bestowed upon with yet another piece of the Supreme Beings' World," he confesses. "And, I suppose, mystified onto why you would do the same thing for a unimportant human."

I hum. "Well, if I'm being honest, I wouldn't exactly call 'English' to be the 'Supreme Beings'' language. I was actually an outsider even among the others -see, in our world, different countries and continents would sometimes have different languages. However, with VR games and the internet, people from across the world were able to talk and meet each other regardless of the geographic distance between them. Although I was born and raised in Canada, learning English as my first language, one of the reasons I originally started YGGDRASIL was to practice my Japanese language skills, which is why I joined the Japanese server instead of the English one.

So, really, if any language would be the official 'Supreme Beings,' it would have to be Japanese. And while 'isekai' does originate from Japan, I had written it the English way. Does this make any sense to you?"

He bobs his head rapidly, inching closer with gleaming eyes. "Yes! Thank you for explaining this to this unworthy servant-"

"Shhh!" I quickly cover his mouth, glancing around, before becoming embarrassed about my own actions and hastily taking my hand back in the next.

Nonetheless, Demiurge is suddenly shame-faced. He makes a move to kneel before jerkily catching himself, seemingly in an endless loop of wanting to beg but also not wanting to dig himself a bigger hole.

"It's fine," I sigh. "I just don't want you to call yourself that, and for others to get the wrong idea." 'I also really, really don't like the way you constantly put yourself down in order to raise me higher.'

But that's a lengthy conversation for later.

He nods, staring at his shoes and tight-lipped.

"Let's just go find a place to eat first, yeah?"

Personally, I attempt to enter the first Inn/tavern that I find near the city's stonewalls, but Demiurge takes one look at the chipping paint and creaky wooden sign hanging above, and makes a face.

Smoothly placing a hand on the base of my spine -sending a delicious shiver up it- he guides me away in the opposite direction.

"Dem-Dagan?" I question, bewildered.

His brows furrow, throwing one last disgusted glance towards the Inn. "Such a place is not befitting you. Please, I insist that you allow me to find proper lodging."

"Um, you know that we don't have much money right now, right?" I remind him slowly. "We'll probably have more tomorrow, when we go monster hunting."

Pluton explained that the easiest, quickest way to earn cash was to hunt any of the monsters living in the nearby forests and travelling paths, and if we bring back proof of the kills the Guild will pay us what they're worth. Most newbie Adventurers go this route, since copper plate missions are all pitiful and/or crappy. It also provides real-life experience of varying levels of dangerous situations and opponents for them, which helps towards the seasonal exams.

"Money will not be a problem," Demiurge responds confidently.

Bemused, I allow him to guide me back uptown, going down into the expensive streets that I suspect to cater towards the nobles of the place. More than one person wrinkles their nose in our direction, noting our humble attire.

Demiurge keeps a keen, skeptical eye out for any fancy Inn or Hotel. Finally, once we've reached the most expensive one, he comments something along the lines of "it'll do" before stalking up to the entrance.

We don't even make it past the front doors.

"Hired escorts must wait outside," the doorman tells us firmly with a hand held out, stopping us.

"[You will let us through,]" he commands harshly.

The doorman's eyes gloss over, and I feel myself gaping, staring at Demiurge in shock. "Of course," the doorman drones, and steps to the side.

"Dude!" I hiss, pulling him to the side with his arm. The rich couple walking past us gives us a strange look, which we both ignore. "You can't go around mind-controlling others! Don't tell me you were planning to do the same to book us a room?"

He should not be allowed to look that innocent, that much like a kicked puppy! "I -Have I displeased you again?"

I resist the urge to pinch his cheek, the adorable man. 'Remember the issue here, Naila!' I inhale carefully. "I'm just worried about the employees here. Sooner or later the boss will figure out someone is using a room for free, and whoever ends up booking us will probably be fired for it. I don't want to get them in trouble."

"My-Naila, you are truly, marvellously benevolent, to be so considerate towards such beings!" Demiurge clasps one of my hands in both of his, beaming. "I hear your words, and will adjust my plan accordingly. Please wait here for me."

"What?" I blink stupidly, watching helplessly as Demiurge sends me another dazzlingly smile before disappearing into the Hotel.

It takes me a moment for my brain to kick start again.

"Wait! D-Dagan!" I rush in after him, but he -the surprisingly speedy man- is already talking to the hostess, who immediately leads him elsewhere. I'm about to chase after them when I smell it.

The most heavenly, mouth watering delicious roast beef that has ever tickled my nose. It causes my stomach to growl, reminding me sharply that I still haven't eaten yet. My feet are moving on their own before I can fully register it.

"Can I help you, Ma'am?"

I blink, the world coming back into focus as the waiter carrying a tray shifts on his feet awkwardly, blocking the entrance to the kitchen. I manoeuvre my head so that I can peer into the small window on the door, a 'Employees Only' boldly labeled on it.

"What is that wondrous smell?" I breathe, swallowing.

The waiter plasters on a retail smile, still not budging from in front of the door. "If you would like to try one of our dishes, I'm afraid that you'll have to book a room beforehand. Are you currently with us, Ma'am? I can have someone send up a menu to your room if you are, and we will be pleased to serve you."

"I-" I hesitate. "No, I'm not a guest. Are you sure that I can't get it to go, please?" I ask weakly. This close, the scent of the roast beef and all of the other spices are only stroking my appetite, whispering sweet nothings in my ear.

The waiter's smile becomes strained, and he adjusts his hold on his tray. "I'm afraid not, Ma'am. If you would like to order you have to first book a room," he repeats. "It's policy. Would you like for someone to guide you back to the front office?"

"What's going on, Angun?" another employee -a woman in her mid-thirties who gives off the impression of 'manager' opens the kitchen door to poke her head out, attention snapping towards me.

"I think she's gotten a bit lost, I was just going to get someone to lead her back to the front," the waiter hurriedly answers, shooting me a quick glance.

The woman eyes his tray. "Alright. I'll help our guest here, I need you to go deliver the food."

"Of course!" The waiter quickly goes to do exactly just that without further adieu.

The woman steps out of the kitchen fully, smiling at me. "If you'd please follow me, miss...?"

"Oh! Um, Naila," I startle, slowing my steps so that she can stay ahead of me. "Sorry about, you know, coming here. I just smelled the food and..." I tail off, laughing nervously as I rub the back of my neck. "I guess my feet just moved on their own."

"It's perfectly understandable," she assures me smoothly, leading me through the weaves and turns in the hallway that I have zero memory walking through earlier. "If I may, what was it that caught your interest, Miss Naila?"

"The roast beef," I confess. "It smelled really good..."

She goes on to explain -advertise- the quality of the beef dishes, then onto some of the specials. By the time we arrive back to the lobby my stomach has never felt emptier, and I ever more regretful that I won't be able to taste it. If not because of the policy, then the fact that I'd never be able to afford it with our current budget.

It's there that I see Demiurge come out from another corner, a rich, plump old man with multiple gold rings on his thick fingers right on his heels.

They make a beeline for us, Demiurge grinning proudly.

"Mr. Balrus, sir?" the woman questions the rich man.

Something tells me that this is the man in charge, if not the owner of the Hotel itself.

"Alva!" Mr. Balrus greets cheerily. "I see you've already met our honourable guest here, Madam Naila. I need you to help the Madam and her partner, Master Dagan to room 401. And make sure that any service they partake in is on the house!"

The woman's, Alva, eyes widen, before she masks her surprise and bows to Demiurge and I. "Of course. Please follow me, honourable guests. Do you have any other luggage?"

"Nothing that we don't have on us," Demiurge answers.

Alva straightens, nodding. "I see. I will now show you to your rooms, then."

"Wait a moment -Dagan?" I protest weakly, switching between the lady, Demiurge, and Mr. Balrus. "We still don't have the money for this type of place!"

"It has already been taken care of," Demiurge tries to reassure me, smiling still. "Mr. Balrus and I have come to an agreement, right?" he adds pointedly towards the man.

"Indeed! Please do not trouble yourself, Madam! It will be our pleasure to host one such as yourself!"

I think about the food I smelt earlier, wavering. On top of Demiurge's proud, hopeful expression, I can't help but give in completely. "Oh, alright, so long as you're sure, Mr. Balrus."

"Never more certain, Madam!"

The roast beef, indeed, is worth it and then some.