CHAPTER 9- What Next?
BACK IN NIM
Two days after Momon Day. The trio regrouped in NIM. Today was a special day. Today was Yamaiko's birthday. To celebrate this. They threw a barbeque party at one of the islands. The day was beautiful as always. Sunny blue sky. The islands are covered in lush green grass. A tent canopy was hung to provide shade. Benches were set for the guests attending. Yamaiko always loved hawaiian themes. So they made it a point to wear hawaiian shirts on her birthday. Everyone was gathering around the birthday girl. She was very happy to spend it with her friends.
Only three out of 20 that were transported to NIM were not so happy. And these three happened to be manning the grill. Flipping burgers and hot dogs. With depressed faces. These three were their leaders. Ulbert alain odle, Infinyrex prime and Peroroncino.
"Okay, how are we gonna do this? Who's gonna tell Punitto?" Asked Pero.
"I've yet to come up with a more substantial explanation to our… Accident." said Ulbert.
"How are we gonna tell him that the entire operation in Nazarick was a waste of time. We put Nish in a position where he was incapable of collecting information. We gave him the position of a lower than low servant with no access to any information going in and out. And any information he did collect. Caught on fire by accident." explained infinyrex.
They knew this was the hard part mainly because their strategist Punitto moe. Although brilliant. Was known for his short outbursts when it came to failure in operations. That and giving long lectures to the ones who in his words 'royally fucked up'.
The trio took their jobs as leaders seriously and the first rule of leadership is that everything is their fault. The three mustered up the courage to speak to Punitto. Pulled him to the side and explained everything that happened. Needless to say he did not take it well.
"You dumb fucks! And we put you in charge?! So we basically wasted a month and a half sending Nish over there. In a position where he only did cleaning. Got proof that the overseer is fucked in the head, and that same proof got destroyed?! So basically a high risk low reward situation?" Punitto asked, to which Pero joked with.
"Actually if you think about it. It was a high risk NO reward situation hehehe." he awkwardly joked to which his comrades looked at him to take it seriously.
Punitto continued with his rant. "Not only that but someone got killed during the process! Do you have any idea how fucked up that is?! How this changes things?! We've just lost a small piece of our anonymity! Which is vital! We can no longer depend on the shadows. We are now considered threats! Whose faces they have yet to see!" he proceeded to bonk the three in their heads with his staff. Another reaction of his that they expected.
After a long lecture. He finally calmed down. "Jeez you guys do this to me on Yamaiko's birthday? I'm glad Nish is alright and I'm sure the circumstances weren't in our favor at that time. But we have to do better. It seems that our planned meeting with Momonga is gonna be pushed back a little. That folder could've helped us. Oh well. A good plan is an adaptable plan. We've lost something but we've also gained something. Not exactly what I call a success but I'll take it. Let's try and figure out our next plans going forward. As much as it pains me to postpone our reunion with Monga. We'll just have to find another way."
his voice sounded depressed at the end. Making it clear that he too wished to see their old guildmaster.
The trio agreed to his terms and returned to the party.
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SOMEWHERE IN A HUT NEAR THE FALLEN KINGDOM OF RE-ESTIZE
In this hut located in the remains of the once powerful nation of Re estize before it's fall. Were two beings drinking tea in front of an open fireplace. All that could be seen was their shadows and the fire captured the moment.
With a soft innocent voice. A female imp spoke "I must say Lord Demiurge. I'm having a hard time believing what you're telling me. An intruder managed to infiltrate the home of our master unnoticed until a few days ago? And on a national holiday no less?... this person is either very brazen or an absolute genius to pull that off."
"My thoughts exactly Renner." he said with a serious face revealing no expression other than sternness. "I've given you the reports. I wanted your thoughts on the matter. Perhaps something we missed that caught your eye."
"Hmm. He didn't steal anything from the tomb. That makes it harder to know what they're after. It can't be a coincidence that they chose a national holiday to leave and reveal themselves. Definitely was planned. Killed a servant? I thought that it may have been that they were caught and did it on impulse but after reviewing more. It definitely had to have served some kind of purpose. Otherwise. They would've killed more if they wanted to prove a point. Hmm. Forgive me my lord but this Mastermind baffles me. He's brilliant enough to infiltrate Nazarick and brave enough to kill one of it's servants without needing to? Why kill a servant if they have shown they can easily escape the tomb?" the witch of the fallen kingdom couldn't decipher the plans of the fictional mastermind.
Demiurge just looked at her. He didn't expect much. If he couldn't find any clues on this mastermind then why would she?.
"I thought so. This mastermind has baffled even Nazarick's brightest. He is to be considered a high level threat. One that could destroy everything we've built."
"How do you know that's what they're really after?... a terrorist makes their intentions known to the world. A rebel asks others to join their cause. And a fool attacks that which they do not understand. This Mastermind knew full well what he was doing. If they wanted to attack, they would've done so. If they're brave enough to infiltrate nazarick and commit murder. Then I'm sure they're strong enough to challenge all of Nazarick. Either that or I can say that this person has been planning for years for this moment. Everything went off without a hitch."
Demiurge couldn't fathom the idea that there was now a new threat that was more dangerous than Nazarick or the supreme one himself. But the latter choice could also make sense. That someone had been scheming for this moment for years. Embarrassed at the thought that it took this long for him to notice. A dagger to his pride.
Renner had never been this confused by someone's actions before. Not since that noble from re'estize long ago that had stolen the sorcerer kingdom's grain transport intended as aid for the holy kingdom. She couldn't believe the sheer stupidity of that noble. But that's all it was. Stupidity. But she shuddered at the thought of this mastermind. Who did something most would consider a higher level of stupidity. But she knew full well that they were by no means stupid if they managed to get away with it.
"Here's a thought. This person has inside knowledge of blindspots over Nazarick security. Probably memorized schedules and routines over Nazarick personnel. And from what I understand. Used Nazarick's weakest link to blend in. I know that you're all loyal to his majesty so this is just a suggestion. Perhaps someone has turned."
Demiurge couldn't believe his ears. 'A servant of Nazarick betraying the supreme one? That's absurd! Unthinkable even! But it's not impossible. Shalltear was mind controlled. So perhaps the same method was used but on another denizen with more clearance. But what would be the motive? Why choose now to betray us? I have to speak with lord Ainz immediately. Maybe someone's name turned red in the book of npc's.' As he finished his thought, he spoke with a smile.
"Thank you Renner. You've given me a lot to think about. I'll have to investigate that possibility. Though I doubt any servant of Nazarick would betray us willingly."
As he said this. He teleported out of the room. Leaving Renner with her thoughts.
'Has the time actually come? A threat to challenge the status quo? I must be wary of this mastermind. If the sorcerer king falls. So does my life along with my adorable little climb!... I will find you mastermind. Don't think we of nazarick fall so easily.' she thought as a wide creepy smile took form on her face.
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OUTSIDE A COFFEE SHOP AT THE SORCERER KINGDOM
"So that's what happened?." Zesshi said while drinking her cup of tea. Currently she was sitting with her beau. Mare. Both were wearing casual clothes, different from their uniforms. Though clothing in the sorcerer kingdom is modern by medieval standards. They could still be called a work of foreign interference. Years of cultivating such arts can only be done in the sorcerer kingdom.
"Basically, yeah. The rise of a mastermind capable of rivaling the best and brightest of Nazarick. I feel so ashamed. Lady Bukubukuchagama would be ashamed of me." just as he was whimpering and about to shed a tear. Zesshi moved her hand over to his. Calming him down. He looked at her and saw she was smiling. This smile was contagious as he began to smile as well. The she spoke.
"It's okay. There's no way you could've known. Personally from my experience. I can understand how awful it feels when what your protecting be it behind a door or people. It is an awful feeling when someone other than your supervisors to enter that door."
"Yeah but noone ever entered the slane theocracies vault when you were there. Not until we captured you–oh! Sorry I shouldn't have brought that up!."
"Mare. It's fine. Besides. I've already atoned for my sins against his majesty."
The dark past was brought up. Zesshi remembered that when she was young and foolish. She went to kill her father as ordered by her superiors at the theocracy. But what she found was that the forces of the sorcerer kingdom had beaten her to the punch. She was then met with a brutal defeat at Mare's hands. Later brought to Nazarick to be interrogated. Spending years in the frozen prison. Cold and suffering. Powerless against her captors. She was even used as a test subject by Demiurge. Those years had not been kind to her. But Mare showed up every once in a while to speak with her as he needed a reading buddy. He mostly read from the other side of the cell. She was grateful for the company. Especially from someone who spoke with her casually. A right denied to her even as a child. He provided her with books she could read hoping he could have someone to talk to about the stories inside. This helped her mental state as she slowly began practicing self reflection. Saw the hand she was dealt with from birth. Mare then told her the greatness of the supreme beings. Told her stories of their power. Things beyond what her original six gods could accomplish. That the supreme beings were god slayers of sorts. Beyond the comprehension of mortals. Beings that human gods tried to imitate. He told her about their wisdom. Their boundless kindness and merciful ways. That his Lord Ainz ooal gown has come to this wretched world to fix it in honor of his friends.
Gratitude stirred in her head as she always saw the world as a corrupt place. But the idea that a god descended to save it was too good to be true. The realization hit that the purpose for her incarceration was because she was in the way of god's work to end discrimination and malice in the world. After a few years of good behavior. She was let out on the occasion that she serves the sorcerer kingdom. Mare was put in charge of her. Quickly , everyone got along with her with some effort on her part of course. As the years passed by. Her status was increased as a trustworthy albeit weaker subordinate.
Overtime she developed an infatuation with Mare. leading her to only have feelings of patience and affection towards him.
"If this mastermind is a threat then I'm sure Lord Ainz has come up with a plan to defeat him. I'm sure." Zesshi said, trying to comfort him. Which eventually worked. As Mare was in a good mood once again.
As soon as they finished their drinks. They headed off to the market to look around. Zesshi seeing it as an opportunity to lean on his shoulder while holding onto his arms. Proceeded to do so.
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IN NAZARICK 10TH FLOOR
The floor clacked as heels walked the halls of the 10th floor leading to the main office. Where the succubus was heading to in a steadfast pace.
'Ugh. the idea of an intruder who walked these halls. Probably serving us tea. How disgusting! That fool dared to enter these blessed grounds! On top of that. Humiliated me in front of the supreme one by making me act out! When we find this piece of filth! He will be subjected to all the tortures Nazarick has to offer! Yes, that is the only way to please our lord. Oh lord please forgive your lowly servants for this failure. We shall correct it once they've been found." she thought as a smile returned to her face. Fantasizing the death of the intruder.
As she entered her office. Looked upon her desk and sat in her chair. Taking a look upon the new paperwork on her desk. Reviewing all the new information and economic changes. Eventually her mind began to wander.
'I don't get it though. What could this trespasser have been after? Why go through all the trouble to sneak into the most fortified place on the planet, if you're just gonna leave empty handed. Were our treasures insufficient for him? Pandora's actor was out as well. It would've been the best and only chance to get in the treasury, so why? I refuse to acknowledge them as a mastermind. I will not fall for their tricks! I will not allow this so-called genius to intimidate me! I will hunt this trespasser in the name of my love for Lord Ainz!'
Confident in her resolve. Albedo proceeded to do her paperwork. Until another matter came into her mind,
'That's right I almost forgot! I need to update the paperwork for the folder.'
Just as she went for her cabinet. Opened the secret compartment. And found nothing. She was speechless.proceeding to rummage and look in the other cabinets.
"What!?! Where is it!?! Where?! It couldn't have been discovered! No! no no no no no no please don't!! Please! Not now, why now?!... It's gone! But how?! Why!?' just as her line of questioning paused. The realization hit her like a wave. Her paranoia and panic kicked in as her mouth was wide open. Along with her eyes revealing a horrified expression. Wishing that she wasn't wrong.
'The mastermind didn't leave empty handed. He was waiting for me to leave. Take the folder containing information on… could it be?... No! Surely not. But what could some thief do with that information?!
As her mind was thinking of all the possible reasons someone would steal her folder. Her mind came to one conclusion.
'Blackmail?! Perhaps this person wants something from me? No! That wouldn't be enough to want to break into Nazarick! Then for what?... could this have been… the work of a supreme being? That recent sighting of Ulbert. Could he have? No there's no way he could've known about my plan! We've confirmed black-fured bafolks. And even then. Why choose now to make an appearance?! It wouldn't make sense! Out of everything in Nazarick. They chose to steal my folder? Demiurge is right. We are dealing with a mastermind. But could it be a supreme being or just someone from this world. A supreme being wouldn't have known what I was planning. And someone who planned for years to infiltrate still seems hard to believe but not impossible…if this mastermind chooses to use this against me. Shows that information to nazarick. To lord Ainz. I will not waver. I will accept my fate. I'm sure everyone will kill me for it. But if I can. I should try everything to get that folder back!'
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IN THE NAZARICK CAFETERIA
All the maids of the tomb were especially excited today. They were blessed with immense luck to see their favorite Pleiades maid CZ delta. Who was sitting at her table sipping strawberry juice like always. Her peaceful day was going well until she was interrupted by her usual stalker.
"Gutentag! Young lady! How are you doing this fine morning!" The guardian of the treasury. Pandora's actor.
"Hello." She responded. Trying to ignore his usual antics.
The two had been seen together almost constantly. Though she was never the one to go looking for him. He was the one who always believed they were on good terms.
"May I have the pleasure of taking this seat beside you, milady?" He dramatically asked. While bowing.
"Okay."
Pandora's actor took his seat beside her. But awfully close. To the point of making physical contact.
"What a tragedy it is for our impenetrable home to be invaded by an intruder truly! But I am happy that they had the courtesy to not steal anything from the treasury! I do not know how I would take it if any of the fine treasures of the 41 were to go missing from their stations within the vault!."
Cz just sat and kept drinking her juice. While he kept rambling on with his hand in the air.
"Too noisy." She responded as she proceeded to walk away from the scene. Upsetting the other maids who were just happy to be in the same room as her. They glared at Pandoras actor for causing this. He was known for making a bad first impression on others. And it wasn't the first time he made someone so uncomfortable to the point where they had to leave.
Still he was persistent. He chased after her and continued his rant. Only changing the subject.
"Fair lady Delta! Forgive me for chasing after you. I was hoping we could talk about your weapon. I happen to be especially skilled in maintaining all forms of weaponry. Even the former weapons of the 41. If you'd like, I can do the same for your rifle? It'll only take a moment—." He was interrupted by lupusregina who came out of nowhere to grab cz delta.
"Heeeeeey! Shizu! Wanna go to carne? They just opened up a new store there or something. Let's go!" Lupus then switched to a whispering tone. "You alright? Don't worry I'll get you away from that creep."
The Pleiades maids noticed long ago that pandoras actor kept trying to speak with shizu much to her reluctance. They considered it harassment over one of their own. So they made it a point to help their sister, by pulling her away from the eager doppelgänger.
While cz delta was being taken with her sister. Pandoras actor just looked as she faded into the hallway. He always wanted a good relationship with his coworkers but unknown to him. His nature as a performer always got in the way. Causing him to over act sometimes and have difficulty in social settings.
Having nothing else to do. Pandoras actor proceeded to the treasury. Where he happily cleaned Houyi's bow. Making sure to get every edge. Every statuesque shape. Ensuring it was always in good quality.
"Pandora's actor!"
He heard his name being yelled from the entrance to the treasury. A voice he knew well enough. He knew it was the guardian overseer.
"Welcome! To treasury lady Albedo! A pleasure as always to have you here—."
"Enough with the pleasantries we have things to discuss." She answered sternly.
She quickly took her seat as he marched over to his on the opposite side.
"We have a problem." She said.
"Indeed we do! I ran out of the special cleaning spray I use to clean houyi's bow with! You must rectify this!."
"No! I mean the folder SBHS or supreme being hit squad. Went missing during the infiltration of Nazarick."
"Ohhh…so the despicable mastermind didn't leave so empty handed? That explains why he didn't go after the treasury. He was after something of more value. Secrets." He said
"It seems so. This has put us in a very difficult position. I never imagined this would happen. Were we the targets of this mastermind? Or did they just stumble onto it? I don't know. My current theory is that whoever has the folder is probably planning to blackmail us. But that seems too short sighted for someone who broke into Nazarick."
"I knew this operation of ours was too risky from the beginning. That we were way in over our heads if two servants like us could pull off something like killing a supreme being. Now it's come to haunt us."
"I told you! In the event that we are to get discovered. I will take full blame for your participation."
"Lord Ainz may forgive but he will not forget." He said sternly to her.
The two just glared at each other in intense silence.
"My loyalty to this squad is conditional, my lady. I don't have a personal vendetta with the supreme beings like you do. I told you once and I'll tell you again. I'm only doing this out of concern for lord Ainz should the supreme beings prove to want to challenge my masters authority. I would slaughter the supreme beings if he ordered me to. But no such order was given."
"Are you gonna tell the others? They'll kill me for sure. But then think this. The supreme beings return. Find all the power and control that lord Ainz has accumulated while they were away. They become greedy. Maybe jealous. They'll decide to usurp Lord Ainz for it. Absolute power corrupts all you know."
"Everyone except lord Ainz. Who's to say that the supreme beings don't have the same way of thinking."
"Perhaps. But is that a chance you're willing to take when your creator's life is on the line. There were other members of Ainz ooal gown that were stronger than him, you know. Ulbert alain odle. Peroroncino. And touch me. According to the records. Lord Ainz has never won a match against those three especially. And let's say that they return only to leave him again. Hurting him again. It's clear from that action alone that they never cared for our lord. That they only used him up. And when he served his use to them. They just threw him away like he never had feelings in the first place!."
"Like I told you last time! You don't know the whole story or the real reason why they left. You're only assuming. Assumptions are not facts."
"Even so! The information provided shows otherwise…But anyways. We're getting off topic. The point is. This mastermind has taken the folder containing past and present information on our operation."
"Then now tis only a matter of time ja? Before they find a way to use it against us. That folder is only capable of harming us. Nobody else in the tomb. Not really a threat to nazarick only the two dreaming fools sitting in this room! How poetic for us to be sentenced to death before we could even accomplish our goal. And the supreme beings didn't even have to lift a finger. Nor rise from their lofty thrones. I can imagine the laughter of those gods as they watch us slowly whither away by the man we serve. Ughh." Pandora stated with a dramatic performance at the end.
"Not unless we retrieve that folder before this mastermind does anything with it!."
"Ohhh? And how do you propose we do that? Hmm… we don't know anything about this mysterious mastermind of ours. Not even a clue! But he seems to know an awful lot about us and Nazarick. So when it comes to information. We don't even have any suspects! No clues about their ambitions or goals! We don't even know how he got in and out. And you want to go find him? He found us!."
As much as Albedo hated to admit it. He was right. She didn't even know where to start looking. Setting up traps would be difficult considering this person could be anywhere and anyone. And revealing that Nazarick had been robbed, to the world. Is deliberately telling everyone that they can be easily infiltrated. In truth. She doesn't even know the first thing about this mastermind.
"Okay then. How would you do it? How would you lure this mastermind into a trap?."
"Like I said milady. Tis only a matter of time at this point. All we can do is wait until our rope runs out. I don't know the first thing about our enemy. I don't even know if they intentionally sought that folder or not. All I know is that both of our lives are in their hands. How much rope this mystery man intends to lend us. Is up to him." He finished while crossing his arms. Showing his resolve.
"So that's it?! You're just ready to give up?! After everything?"
"I'm not giving up. I'm merely accepting my fate. Our days are numbered now you know. I'll assist anyway I can to help bring about this mastermind if he intends to harm lord Ainz. However, if that were their plan. They would've done so already ja? But instead chose information on us over anything else. Leaving nazarick empty handed is one thing but leaving nazarick with a folder. That says everything."
After a brief pause. Albedo spoke again.
"Very well. As you say Pandora, our days are numbered. But let me ask you this. Do you think this mastermind is only after us or Nazarick?."
"Like I said. Only time will tell." He said slowly and menacingly.
She stood up from her chair and proceeded to leave the treasury. Her foot stomps fading in the distance of the halls. Pandora's actor finally found some relief as he returned to attending to Houyi's bow.
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IN THE SORCERER KINGDOM
"Are you sure it's around here? Yuri." Asked Aura.
"Yes. Lady Aura. Lord Sebas recommended this 'turning page' bookshop. As the place to purchase books needed for the school." Said the maid.
The four females were currently on a mission to find a bookshop to purchase a few books for the middle school residing in the sorcerer kingdom. Once the sorcerer kingdoms orphanage. Now an education system. The other two accompanying them are Pestonya and Nigredo. The other attendants of the school under Yuri Alpha.
"I believe it is that one over there, my lady." Nigredo said in a heavy breathing tone. As she pointed towards it.
Once confirmed they headed inside. Seeing only one customer and one attendant inside.
A lady just slammed a book at the front desk.
"The leather on this book is starting to come off." She stated plainly.
"Really? Oh I wonder why. Do you always put it down with such grace?" Asked Pero in his human disguise. "Where do you read it?"
"It's not where I read it. My dog just found it and started tearing it apart."
"Oh wow. You know books have been the ultimate source of information inspiring inventors and young minds for years. But no we let our dogs make a mess out of them without a care in the world." He said sarcastically. "This is why humanity's doomed."
"Okay! You know what? I don't need your smug librarian guy attitude!… where's your manager?."
"Oh! You wanna speak with him? Here I'll get him for you."
"Yeah! You do that."
He turned around then turned again in the direction of the woman.
"Hi! I'm the manager. Something I can help you with, miss?"
"You just lost yourself a customer, smart ass!."
"Oh really? Do you think I'll ever be able to find another one?." He said with the same sarcastic tone as before. "Next!."
The woman left in a fit. Knocking over some books on purpose. All Pero could do was just shake his head in disbelief, knowing he'll have to pick that up later.
Aura saw the man and immediately recognized him as the one night stand she shared a bed with. She's hoping he won't recognize her or act casual as if they've never met.
"Welcome, what can I do for you?" 'Shiit! Is that Aura?! And fucking Nigredo?! Shit fuck! Please act like you don't know me!'
"Good afternoon. We are teachers from the sorcerer kingdom middle school. I am yuri alpha."
'Yuri alpha? Yuri alpha? Yuri alpha…is she Yamaikos creation? Damn! hello lips, legs, breasts and ass! Big ass! You've done a good job Yamaiko.'
"We were recommended by our superior that you might be able to help us with something."
"Depends. May I ask what you are looking for?"
After Pero asked his question. He and Yuri went over the specifics of the request. Meanwhile he pretended not to look at her chest.
After much discussing. Pestonya decided to look around as she liked the furniture and state of the library. Aura did so as well out of just avoiding Pero. Yuri went to go look around as well as she was told there were some books on teaching that Vic told her about. Leaving Pero with Nigredo.
"So…ummm… how've you been? Nigredo."
"I've been well my lord thank you for asking."
"Shhh don't call me that here. For now just think of me as another human. I can't have my disguise falling on me, you understand?"
"Yes lord. I will do as commanded." She said as she bowed.
"Is everything alright Nigredo? Aroof" Asked Pestonya.
"Yes! Everything is fine. I was just communicating with this lowly human."
'Okay! Maybe not as just another human. You could've just said shopkeeper!'
"Ohhh my! That's the first you've interacted with one for a while. I hope I wasn't interrupting.aroof" Pestonya said shyly.
"No! We were just talking about—." Pero interrupted in case she slipped up.
"The weather! Yeah! We were talking about the weather. Wonder when we're gonna see something other than sunny skies. We're kinda hoping for some rain for the plants. Maybe some snow."
"Oh I see! Well you'll be happy to know that Christmas is just around the corner. When that time comes. Snow will surely fall. Aroof." Pestonya said happily with her tail wagging.
"Oh! well that's good to hear!". 'Wait! They've got Christmas here?!!'. "Did yall need any help finding anything?"
"Oh no! We're doing just fine, thank you." Pestonya said. "Though I am curious. I've never seen furniture like this before. May I ask where you got it from? Aroof."
"Umm yeah. It's imported. A buddy of mine bought it off some dwarves. Can't tell you where though. My bud didn't tell me."
'Pestonya shortcake wanko. Ankoro's npc. Damnnn she gave her a bust!'
"Oh well that's too bad, Aroof. I must say though. You don't seem uncomfortable around Nigredo. I find that strange. Most of the children we've raised in the orphanage and the school have been with us for years and some still have their guards up around her. But I'm not sensing that from you. Have you two met before? Aroof."
"Nope. Let's just say I've had my fair share of run-ins with things I can't explain." 'The only reason I'm chummy with her is because I know Tabula! And because we're literally threatening her to not give us up.'
"Aah I see now. Forgive me for asking such a strange question just now."
"It's fine. And oh you forgot to say Aroof." She felt embarrassed after not saying her usual line and started saying it many times. Pero found it funny. He recalled Ankoro talking about adding that lisp to her. Same with giving Eclair his rebellious thoughts.
"Alright! Yuri! Now that we're done. You mind if we go? I do have some things to attend to." Asked Aura.
"Of course, thank you for your cooperation Mr…?"
"You can just call me Oliver." Said Pero.
"Very well then. Mr Oliver. Have a good rest of your day." Yuri said as she bowed. Then proceeded to leave with the rest of her group. But only one stayed.
"Just for the record. Nothing happened okay?." Aura told him with a stern tone.
"I'm way ahead of you." Pero responded. He couldn't have anyone else find out what he did with his sister's npc. He feared the worst. He used to get the belt from his older sister every time he did something he wasn't supposed to do. This would put him in the grave.
As soon as Aura left. Pero started breathing easily. With a sense of relief.
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IN THE DREAM REALM
For weeks Tabula had been in the dream realm looking for Albedo. The reason for his long wait had been because her species as a succubus could sleep but wasn't a requirement. And she didn't sleep much…until now. And that left her exposed to the eldritch dream demon.
"At long last! I've found you little succubus! In my realm no less. We're gonna have a lot of fun."
Tabula Smaragdina had many passions and goals in life. He loved science for one. He loved experimenting. He was a follower of the occult since his time in his human form. Although science and the occult contradict each other. He didn't care because he was also a fan of 'gap moe'. He loved this concept so much that he embodied it. But one interest of his that he is a more expert of. Since his younger years. He has always been a cinemaphile of the horror genre. It went from movies to books. Needless to say. Every horror book and movie lives in his head rent free. He loved it so much. He wrote his own freelance books. But didn't have many readers due to the amount of gore he added into it.
He was so happy to finally share the depths of his knowledge. Out of the audience in the dream realm. He chose Albedo to see his favorite movies with him all at once.
Tabula laughed a wicked laugh as he entered Albedo's dream. Began watching her dreams. In the dark. Observing what they were like. How he can mold them. His first approach was to learn what she considers a good dream. For this to work. He tampered with her inner subconscious to produce happy memories. He was disturbed by what he saw.
"Is that? Momonga?...eeew what is he doing with his… oh god! I didn't program this into her!... skeletons don't even have a–!" he was confused why all her dreams had to do with Momonga. One being where they were sleeping together. Another where they have a child. And another where she has a chair next to the throne of kings he built. Ruling Nazarick as Momongas's queen. Tabula felt bad for Pero's creation who was crying in the corner. Having lost the position of wife. He watched and learned her weaknesses. How to break her mind.