Summary: Demiurge could always sense something off about the Guardian Overseer, Albedo. Confirming these suspicions is an entirely different matter. Albedo is not so careless, but Demiurge is not so easily deterred. After the Cocytus' defeat by the Lizardmen, the two have scheduled a meeting before the audience with Ainz later in the day. Perhaps they will avoid fireworks.

A measured pace made a muffled, rhythmic sound as black dress shoes padded along a crimson carpet. The tasteful gold trim that accentuated the entire length of the miles of the fabric that ran the length of the ninth floor wove delicate patterns into the silk.

There was nothing urgent about the pace in spite of how close the starting time of meeting was, Demiurge was not in a rush. Not to say that he was meandering unduly in the lavish halls of the 9th floor, rather that he was allowing for distractions to catch his attention.

Such behavior was easily justifiable within himself, as much in the way that a good general understands the importance of keeping his soldiers in a solid mental order before long, brutal fight, so to was it good to enter his talks with Albedo with a fresh mind.

So, he bowed for the maids, keeping an inscrutable posture as they exchanged either pleasantries or gossip. Indulged in admiring the patterns of edifices that had been etched into the walls alongside paintings and other trophies of uncountable number and invaluable quality. Mind searching for the unending wisdom of the masters that had arranged these long passageways in a past that felt so very distant ago. Allowing the grace and beauty to cleanse him spiritually of the filth of the various 'livestock' that he kept on his farm.

As much as Demiurge would like to claim that it was this same sensation of grandeur that had brought the halls to almost a still quiet outside the occasional maid moving from room to room. A more practical thought was undoubtable as the reason behind this change.

The news about Cocytus' defeat must have spread through here too then. The weight of this shame was almost suffocating here in the temple of divinity to the 41.

Sighing, Demiurge adjusted his glasses. Allowing only this slight tick given the gravity of the topic spoke to the level of control that Demiurge was attempting to exercise over himself. Defeat in the name of the Supreme was a crime akin to heresy. One which would not be soon forgotten by many within these hallowed walls. Though the wisdom of a god may yet turn it into a positive, at least that's what Demiurge believed.

I can't blame them for this though, if it weren't for the fact that I know that this as well as everything is all according to Lord Ainz's wishes, I wouldn't be in a much different.

Demiurge had the necessary mental structure to take a defeat in such a way. Ulbert Alain Odle had modeled Demiurge after his favorite archetype of a villain. An unendingly scheming, malevolent force that calmly forced its chosen victims through a brutally efficient plan. One that was subtle enough to hide its true objectives till all was lost. Composure and foresight were necessary for a such a level of tactical thinking to achieve stratagems that meet such high targets. A benefit of this design was to be able to quickly and calmly think out situations like this.

Still another failure by a guardian so quickly after the Shalltear incident is unacceptable.

Demiurge's left-hand twitches almost imperceptibly. Restraining himself from touching his glasses again was an extreme effort of will. He was now too close to his destination to let his control be this lax anymore. These motions would not escape his gem-like eyes, and they would definately attract the attention of the predatory yellow eyes of the Guardian Overseer. Gleaming every thought behind such a gesture with one glance.

This thought of her caused Demiurge to duck into a parlor room. Fear about meeting her with any type of physical flaw motivated him to do so. Meeting her with so much doubt about his physical appearance right now would be equivalent to walking in with a white flag for all the information it would tell. The exercise itself was not necessary from an attire perspective, but freed Demiurge's mind for other matters.

His red-striped suit was still an immaculately pressed, and clean garment that somehow belied the muscular frame of his body. Making him appear lither and nimbler, instead of representing the densely packed flesh that was stronger than any iron.

Evert part of Demiurge's appearance tried to portray a similar, self-interested message to all who viewed him. Collar and tie loosened to express a relaxed manner that did not give off the impression of being too rigid, while also not being too relaxed either. Contradictions were a specialty of demons after all. And completing his 'normal' look were the glasses that had a minor charm designed to allow the user to conceal their eyes at their command.

A useful ability when considering how much attention they could attract. Granted, Demiurge would never be able to completely blend in with humans, or any other species for that matter, given the spiked tail. However, the unassuming aspects made it easier to blend in, and maintain a low profile when he wanted too. Even then Demiurge behaved like a nobleman, garnering respect with just the way he carried himself.

Refined was an apt word to describe his outward appearance, but the fire of a demon was barely restrained under this disguise. For if something truly excited the demon, the blazing gems of his eyes would burn with life through the thin veil of glass, unable to contain the light within them. So, to was the rest of him just smoldering quietly beneath the surface. This energy gave him the appearance of being in constant motion, propelled forward by this eternal flame into his work. Powers both from his extreme mental faculties and the potent demonic powers he possessed backed this drive fully. Few beings could hope to match even one of these two abilities from a talent perspective, Demiurge's destination contained one of the two beings in this world that was at least equal to him in both respects. With maybe a greater fanaticism driving them forward.

Inspecting himself didn't take long, only a minute or so. And, once satisfied that he was devoid of any defects, Demiurge exited back into the hallway before making a final turn towards his destination. Which much like himself, was born from a shared quality amongst the 41 guild members of Ainz Ooal Gown.

Obsession.

It may as well have been the third requirement to join Ainz Ooal Gown the way that its members had thrown themselves into every little detail of the realm that they had conquered. This desire flooded outward from the main defensive features of the tomb into every nook and cranny.

Floors had been calculated for maximum efficiency within the constraints of the limits for NPCs and POP monsters. Adding a unique design for each floor on top of this that didn't feel like a hastily made patchwork fabric took love and dedication. Groups of members dedicated themselves to projects that refined massive areas of virtual space that sometimes took a year to fully realize. The defensive practicality of this arrangement had thrown the tomb into legend for the game. If any of the assaults over the years had managed to reach the final floor. They would have to stopped to appreciate the crown jewel of that tremendous passion that was woven in the tomb.

Quite simply the ninth floor was a marvel that put any royal palace to shame. Each of the hundreds of rooms that existed on the ninth floor had been created to be lavish and serve some form of purpose. Many of which had no practical usage to the members when they were built, just the result of one-off tangents that seemed like an appropriate addition at the time. Anything to improve the atmosphere for their RPG. With this in mind they had thrown themselves into their work of constructing the ultimate lair, and every member of the guild had a hand in designing at least one room. A standard theme had been kept in place for the hallways, though the contents of individual rooms wildly varied. The amount of gold that had been spent furnishing this had caused a noticeable tick in the price of the items that had been purchased in bulk.

Whatever the case, the designations of these rooms had taken on the quality of religious law to the now alive NPCs. Protocols that had been written up to show off to a friend to show off their commitment to roleplaying had taken on a very serious practical application.

There was no way for Demiurge to know about this level of devotion that had gone into the ground he now walked, but its knowledge could only reinforce the loyalty that he felt for the Supreme Beings. This place was already a sacred work to him, and to know that it was an equal labor of love to his gods could only add more joy. The gravity of the memory of these players deeply weighed on all who passed through these halls.

Demiurge did not have the luxury of spending time on this floor or in the throne room often. A price to be paid for his pursuits to benefit Nazarick. And what time he did was normally relegated to the room that was his destination.

None who inhabited the tomb remembered who created this room or which one gave it its purpose. It's doubtful that even its creator would remember the process of it, as it had one of the simplest designs amongst those hundreds of other rooms. The room was also never intended to be used by any of the players, so it hadn't seen any real use until the Great Tomb had been transported.

Symmetrical in everything, with two rows of chairs facing each other across a table that could seat twenty. Each floor could send two representatives to meetings regarding force reallocation if the need arose. The table engraved with the layout of the Great Tomb as it would appear in the map function on the HUD. Enclosing it were walls decorated in a simple pattern of interlocked black rings, one for each guild member. Against a dark blue backdrop, the gold letters in the center of each ring proudly declared the names of the Supreme Beings. Starting from directly across the door that served as an entrance with Momonga and wrapping around with 20 rings on either side. At the middle of the table were two distinct chairs, dominating that portion of the table.

Speaking off those chairs, his counterpart had already taken her seat. Which was no surprise to Demiurge, Albedo's ring made it impossible to be the first to a meeting unless Ainz had a task for her. Her posture was relaxed with her body language conveying an openness and invitation that most beings would find impossible to not respond too. Smiling in a pleased manner at Demiurge, she took the lead as was her custom.

"Oh Demiurge, I was wondering if you were going to show up on time. If you would take your seat, we can review a few remaining issues before our audience with Lord Ainz."

"Of course, enough mistakes have been made recently before him what with this current failure and the Shalltear incident."

A polite provocation had been the optimal route Demiurge had decided on his way here. Mentioning the defeat of a subordinate of the Great Tomb was stretching calling it that but it would do. While more likely to force a reaction from the succubus, it wasn't a very long-term move. Pity was a mostly foreign concept to demons, but as a fellow member of the Great Tomb, Cocytus was worthy of sentiments like this. Trying to figure out how furious the Overseer of the Guardians took precedence over some vague notion of future benefit.

"Indeed" Albedo responded easily back, one of her eyebrows raising slightly. A nonverbal retort stating clearly that getting a rise out of her wouldn't be that easy. Demiurge though got what he wanted out of that little exchange nonetheless.

Albedo is not beyond herself in rage. A very good sign for Cocytus. Perhaps this means that she isn't going into the meeting expecting to be an executioner.

Satisfied, Demiurge made his way to his seat. Taking the time to observe the small details in the room that might have otherwise escaped his notice. The folder in front of her being slightly eschewed or a few hairs out of place weren't his primary focus however. Heteromorphs tended to be more honest for lack of a better word with their more monster like attributes. Much like Demiurge's tail was much more difficult to control then his arms, the same rule applied to Albedo's wings.

Truly admirable, the only information they betrayed outside of her simmering rage at Cocytus is that she shifted when she heard the door opening. I think I know what she was looking at too.

If vision were like sandpaper, then the proud golden Momonga looking at the far end of the table would have been scoured from its place by now. Actions like this where the only major lapses that allowed one to clearly pear into the mind of the succubus.

"I trust you remembered to bring along your own assessment Demiurge, or have your little play things been keeping you too busy?"

"You'd be surprised at what even inferior life forms can provide when utilized with the right thinking. But of course, I don't allow these side projects to interfere with my duties."

"Fair enough Demiurge, as long as pleasure doesn't idle progress."

A very rich sentiment coming from you of all people Albedo.

"On that we agree. You mentioned a small procedural issue as well?"

"Yes, just a small change to how we will be presenting ourselves, and the other guardians as well as their vassals at the audience."

For as much as Demiurge thought that Albedo was concealing secrets from him and the rest of the tomb, Demiurge could never believe she would betray Ainz Ooal Gown. It was from this confidence that he was able to produce a similar folder to the one in front of Albedo without hesitation at her words.

Their relationship was symbiotic in a way. Normally for beings of such a malevolent disposition, status quos like this would have been impossible in almost any other circumstance. Nature demands certain things from the strong and uninhibited when faced with such a powerful potential rival that threatened to overtake you from any angle. To expose vulnerabilities, reveal plans, or cooperate in a meaningful manner should have been irrational. Trivial matters like this were no problem in the face of the commanding influence of their master, Ainz Ooal Gown. Rather the natural gave way towards obsession over the impossible.

Perfection, in person, action and in thought, was the true glory of Ainz Ooal Gown. And as his most competent lieutenants it was their sacred mission to pursue such excellence. Need of such excellence had given birth to these little note sharings. Different eyes could behold two dramatically different things. The quality of work was almost guaranteed to be higher. Besides the intelligence of the other being was never in doubt. Accepting a slight risk of an opening being exposed was also a small price to pay for the chance to interpret the divine.

For now, the two contented themselves with reviewing the material the other divulged. Confirmation was the main sentiment fostered in Demiurge as Albedo had verified several details from a source other than Cocytus himself had to Demiurge. All instructions regarding forces to be deployed against the Lizardmen had come directly from Ainz, and that Albedo had agreed with the assessment that such forces would probably be insufficient for the task was also expected. The only true nugget of new information was that Narberal Gamma had reported that Lord Ainz had spent a large amount of time alone before and around the same time as the assualt.

No sense ignoring what was apparently obvious to both of us before entering this room then.

"To think that Lord Ainz would use Nazarick's campaign in this New World as a test to see how we respond to being handled a task that we are unable to complete with the resources at our disposal."

"I rather think that it's more unfortunate that my beloved must consider such deficiencies. Defeat is still unacceptable."

"Given the many means that our lord presented to resolve the problem, I concur with that assessment that it was not his intention for such a result."

I've poked the bear enough to not disagree with her for the sake of it on that. And I do agree.

It was easy to not feel standoffish for Demiurge when admiring the foresight of Lord Ainz, which Demiurge felt needed further applauding.

"Still it's impressive how he seamless has blended in every opportunity for improvement he can in a plan. Even in the foiling of it."

"Versatility might as well be a byword for him the way he cultivates it."

"That would certainly explain his efforts to become a skilled swordsman."

"Weakness must be adapted, and our unique abilities that were tailored for defense must be broadened if we are to take this world to be a box of jewels for Lord Ainz."

"This whole world might already be dancing in his hand if he didn't spare us so much time. Kindness upon kindness he heaps upon us servants."

"Better servants wouldn't require their master to have to adjust to such incompetence. I will be keeping a closer eye on Cocytus' activities from now on. Though he is a Guardian, a second failure so soon after the first would be truly unforgivable."

Albedo, surprisingly, broke character again during this rant, seeming to fold onto herself before letting out a groan of deep frustration.

"We really are children to him, aren't we? And every mistake just shows how childish we are to him."

The trueness of this statement and the vulnerability of Albedo's own actions made Demiurge reciprocate with a grimace of his own.

"Yes, to think that he would have built in teaching lessons into his plan for this world conquest. It's unbelievable how far seeing he is, not only into the future but ourselves."

"Maybe that's why he responds so well to the twins. They are the only two he does not have to feel guilty at treating as such."

"Hmph. We will work then, so that Ainz might acknowledge us as more than that."

"Such an effort may take centuries to realize."

The statement hung over the room, as the two smartest beings of Nazarick found themselves believing that they had only underestimated how far behind they truly were of the master who walked before them. Instead a form regret had led to him withholding of himself for fear of shaming them thoroughly.

Though it must have taken a being of such strength to have brought together the 41 and ruled them wisely for so many years. I wish for nothing more than to be a trusted aide.

Demiurge's internal musings were ground to a halt as a look a realization dawned on Albedo's face. Replaced from an expression of extreme want to one of a growing elation.

"Maybe this is a sign from him to us as well."

"What are you proposing?"

"Lord Ainz has clearly thought many steps beyond what we are able to comprehend, like his Momon persona that's end use is beginning to become clear."

"Correct. Your point?"

"Very rarely does Ainz act without one of us guessing the next step in his plan. And, like a good pupil that has found the truth of part of a complicated answer, Lord Ainz asks us to explain his plan to the others. Thereby confirming both that the others understand the immediate goals, but also to see if we are improving as well."

"And since this escalation in responsibility coincides with Cocytus…"

"He must be acknowledging us too then and telling us that we are ready for more."

A state of orgasmic bliss threatened to complete overwhelm their faculties. Gratified expressions were not able to be held back as the high rode out in their minds and through their bodies. The potential of having been taken on as students by Ainz had rendered them mostly nonfunctional for a minute as they slowly recovered.

Demiurge broke out of this state, taking a moment to adjust himself to his previous position. His spiked metal tail would take much longer before it would stop shaking with excitement.

Trust was perhaps the most important gift that Ainz could reward to his subordinates. To be held as valuable by the Overlord, and to work for him was all the purpose in their lives that they could ever need.

And in Albedo's case, all she wanted it felt. His face tensed at that. By the time he realized his mistake Albedo had already completely recovered her guard, and he could feel her returning his scrutiny. A slip up of this scale might of cost him a chance to score a slight victory.

Though their partnership was necessary, and based in a mutual respect, it was impossible for it to escape his notice how deftly Albedo had avoided directly complimenting the other Supreme Beings, even ignoring her own creator. Every other Guardian held their creator first in their hearts and minds, but Demiurge could tell that the same wasn't true for her. Treason was a harsh penalty for any being of Nazarick to even think of accusing another member of. Let alone for such a crime as disrespecting the memory of the 40 who had left.

Moving forward with these accusations would require concrete proof then merely a superstition motivated by a few blemishes. If Lord Ainz had not taken the name of the guild, Demiurge imagined he would have made more progress in his investigation into Albedo. For now, denying her and working against her at every opportunity would have the opposite effect towards Demiurge's other long-term goals.

Petulant children that constantly fought one another was not something that either of them could ever afford Lord Ainz of them. The long-term implications could be brutal. After all, if the most capable Nazarick had to offer were pesky, loud nuisances that created conflict and chaos for gain or pleasure and ruined plans due to their own pettiness. Such subjects weren't worthy of such a great master. What terrified Demiurge was that if Ainz agreed and were to leave them for these sins.

Sins of ignorance like Cocytus were easy to forgive. They are born from a lack of understanding that with time could become a strength. Infighting was a disease that could corrupt the best of institutions as it forces sides. So, Demiurge instead waited, and attended meetings like this while assisting some of Albedo's causes like creating an heir with Ainz. Agreeing to logical options like this helped to keep him directly out of Albedo's line of fire in turn.

Time for this meeting to end, lest I begin to over steep myself too much.

"Could you explain what you meant about the arrangements for our audience with Lord Ainz?"

"But of course, since we have concluded the main matter of this meeting."

Albedo had replied without so much as batting an eye. The tension remained in her figure, wings seeming poised to flare out despite how rigid she kept them. After a beat she continued.

"I have the distinct privilege of being the one to escort our lord into the Throne Room for the upcoming gathering."

Albedo couldn't stop the euphoric feeling from her new honor to not spread to the rest of her body. A lusty hungry smile dominating her before she once again addressed Demiurge.

"And Victim shall also be attending as there is a matter of concern that Lord Ainz wishes to directly address. Since I will be occupied by being at my beloved's side, it shall instead fall to you to organize the Guardians and their vassals to present themselves before the lord. Understood?"

"It shall be done."

Moving out of his seat, Demiurge began to move towards the door. Feeling thoroughly exhausted in the way one can feel after a brief, but intense spar. He forced himself to stop before he left, as he felt the need to try and plead Cocytus' case for him.

"Do forgive Cocytus for this failure, he is just a warrior who now must become a general to match our lord's vision. Stumbling was sure to happen"

A violent wave of anger crashed into him as Albedo finally cracked, emotion overwhelming any control that she had and flooding the room with violent intent. Were he not an equally powerful demonic creature he would have broken out in a cold sweat. As is, the rest of his body tensed up. For what he wasn't sure, but one thought quickly encompassed his mind about what he just did

Bad move.

"I obey the will of Ainz Ooal Gown loyally. His enemies are my enemies, failures against him dishonor us all. How he judges Cocytus, I will accept."

"Hmm."

With that last noise, Demiurge was out of the room. Delaying any further would probably lead to disaster. A fight might break out against either of their better judgements in such a state. Angering her so quickly after she had been overcome with emotion over Lord Ainz had not been wise.

While a sincerely fascinating creature, Albedo could be such a pain to work with. Loosening his tie and letting his body sag after clearing the corner, a short break before the audience in a few hours was due. The addition of Victim and loss of Albedo's presence on the Guardian line for paying homage to their liege worked itself out quite naturally.

Meeting the angel would also be a delight. Demiurge had always felt a certain mark of failure of being the only Guardian, excluding Albedo whose floor had never been reached, to never stop an invasion. Instead it was the weakest of them and those directly under him that had stopped the threat. Only his physical appearance was known to Demiurge. A mostly foreign figure to add to the mix, much like the introduction of Pandora's Actor had been.

Contingency after contingency flitted through his mind. The exercise, while unlikely to net him a real solution before a first meeting, would prove invaluable in how well Demiurge could respond to the circumstances that would greet him. Putting the matter to rest for now, he allowed himself a moment of quiet, and peace before continuing the path that would take him out of the Great Tomb.

A final test of the new parchment material was a good precaution before the meeting. Perhaps arranging for the new mating procedures with the chimeras as well to start today. Restructuring the pens would be necessary before an expansion of production too. Some might be dismayed by the ever-increasing list of tasks to complete, not Demiurge for he had realized something that any being created by a Supreme Being understood. To serve Ainz Ooal Gown was to be in search of constant improvement, and only service brought true bliss.

Standing on the same step before he launched after the last Supreme Being, that same strength of conviction and desire to present this box of jewels to the only one worthy to possess it reinvigorated him. Restoring him to a state that was so eager to prepare this world for its true ruler.

The master had invested so much in this servant's ability. And nothing would come in the way of making sure his master's will was fully realized. Whether that meant stopping Albedo or working with her, any sacrifice was worth it to be the enforcer of his will.

AN: Thanks for reading!

This is going to serve as a prologue to the rest of the fic, as I wanted to establish their relationship a bit from Demiurge's perspective on the end of how these two work together as I thought that I had a better grasp on his perspective in this partnership. As well as how I think Demiurge views his work in general a bit, and my own musings on the 9th floor.

Dialogue has proven the hardest part to write of this piece, but I'm enjoying that immensely. It's rather crazy to think about how beings of that personality would interact politely with each other, let alone divulge enough for them to work. I tried to stay as faithful to the LN as possible, but I'm not perfect, and there existed sometimes where I just wanted the scene to resolve in a certain manner. Part of that was toning down Albedo's rage at Cocytus. I don't think I will be getting out an additional chapter this month, but I'll try. If I don't have something out for this I might have for another story idea that I've been working on.

I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed my first story, Forgemaster. Your words have helped inspire me to keep at this writing thing. Also, a thank you to others who took the time to read it.

And the next chapter will be called: The Dancers.

Until then

-InkBlotches37