CHAPTER 12- Memento
ON THE 6TH FLOOR
In a grand treehouse on the 6th floor. Where the twin dark elves Aura and Mare inhabited. Lived three elven maids. Many years ago they were slaves to a worker mercenary team that aimed to rob the great tomb of Nazarick. But unfortunately met their end. These maids did not enter the tomb willingly and so were spared. Rather they were given a nice home. Serving the twin dark elves since they were children. A task they considered worthy.
It was another morning. The three elves just awoke from their slumber. Enjoying the nice comfortable beds granted to them.
They arose. But before doing so. They got on their knees. And began to pray to their goddess.
"Oh thank you, great mother. For granting us another chance to wake in your grace. Thank you for the home we live in. The air we breath. The water we drink. The food we eat. And the sun that bathes our skin… we thank you great mother Bukubukuchagama. But what we are most thankful for is for the creation of your children. Our masters. Lady Aura and Lord Mare. Without them. I'm sure our life would have been bleak. We thank you again for your endless guidance and protection. You are and always will be our goddess and creator of the elven kind. Thank you."
"THANK YOU." They said in unison.
When finished with their prayers. They began to get dressed in their usual maid uniforms.
Left their room. Began their normal duties around the tree house.
"I wonder what she was like!"
"Lady Aura said that she was the kindest of the supreme beings!"
"She was wise and powerful too!"
"Of course she was! Lord Mare said that she created most of the 6th floor. From the sun. The grand tree, the lands, the animals. It was also said that she hosted gatherings in this very tree. Inviting the other supreme beings to join! The very floor we're cleaning was walked upon by gods!"
"Oh what an honor! One we are unworthy of! To think we serve the children of the goddess of our kind."
"I didn't believe it at first. Considering lady Bukubukuchagama's appearance as a slime but being able to create our Lord and Lady to be powerful elves. And they themselves stated she was a goddess. It must be true! I thought our gods would be elves as well but lady Bukubukuchagama must've had some grander plan in mind for our kind."
"Ofcourse! The supreme beings are said to know all and see all. That nothing escapes their gaze. She must've given us her blessings all those years ago when we entered the tomb. Why else would our life have changed for the better!"
"The supreme beings sure do work in mysterious ways."
"Oh! Don't forget we have that gathering at the bar later."
"Ofcourse! I'm always eager to see our friends."
"Good. Now we must prepare lunch for our lady and lord before they get back."
"RIGHT!"
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THE ADAPOCRE THEATRE
on the second floor at the headquarters of the floor guardian Shalltear bloodfallen. Were several vampire brides pulling all nighters. Cleaning the place up before their mistress finished her shift of guarding the floors.
The vampire brides were loyal to their mistress. Even the beatings received were seen as rewards.
One of the brides was busy cleaning the banner that all the vampires and creatures of the night bowed to. The banner of Lord Peroroncino.
To them it was a symbol of the god who created the strongest guardian known as 'Shalltear Bloodfallen'.
The banner meant a lot especially to the area denizens of the first, second and third floors. All under shalltear's protection.
"We must hurry. We do have that bar gathering with the others. We don't get a lot of chances to relax so this will do us some good." One ride said.
"Yes but we mustn't grow complacent. We must keep everything neat and orderly. Lest we disrespect our mistress."
The youngest bride continued with her duties. One of them being shining a replica helmet of Lord Peroroncino's. One of the many treasures Shalltear valued and often maintained herself but couldn't due to increasing unavailability.
"Be sure to clean those floors well! This carpet is sacred. It was once walked upon by Lord Peroroncino himself!"
There was once a rumor among the denizens of these floors. That during the early years of Nazarick. Lord Peroroncino often left shed feathers around. These were seen as a rare treasure. The feathers were said to contain blessings. There's only been one found among the tomb and is being held in the treasury as a memorial of the god that once roamed these halls.
As such. Many of the denizens took it upon themselves to search everywhere for another feather. So far none have accomplished it. Shalltear demanded that anyone who finds one to bring it to her. The brides were always looking. Whenever they were idle. It was a hobby for them to look for a single feather.
The brides finished their work. Cleaned themselves up and proceeded to go to the gathering.
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5TH FLOOR SNOWBALL EARTH
In the snowball earth on the 5th floor. Guarded by Cocytus. Roamed many beings that can survive the harsh conditions of this floor. One of them happens to be the frost virgins.
These females were direct subordinates of Cocytus and creations of Lord Warrior Takemikazuchi.
"No intruders so far."
"Keep your guard up nonetheless."
"Yes. Failing to stop an intruder is failing the supreme ones."
"Where is lord Cocytus today?"
"He's at the shrine. Paying tribute to our great lord warrior Takemikazuchi."
"Ah yes. Lord Cocytus seems to greatly miss him."
"His absence has weighed heavily on lord Cocytus's heart."
"Indeed."
The oldest virgin. Who was Cocytus's second. created before the others and was there when the supreme ones were still around. Spoke in a melancholic and longing tone.
"I miss lord warrior Takemikazuchi. This place feels so empty without him."
"Indeed" all the others agreed.
"Do you think we did something unforgivable to warrant his sudden departure?"
"I'm not sure. He always seemed so proud and goal driven when he was still active. Always talking about his latest masterpiece. Making a sword to finally surpass lord Touch me."
"Did he ever manage to surpass him?"
"I wouldn't know. No one knows. It's one of the many mysteries of Nazarick. That and where they went off to."
"Would lord Cocytus know?"
"He would not. Such secrets are shared only amongst the supreme beings."
"Ofcourse."
"Our great father Lord Takemikazuchi created us to protect this floor he loved. And we will do as such. It is the only way we can repay him for the life he has given us. This very floor of a world he created. We are to protect what he loved."
"Yes"
"Quite right."
"Oh we must not forget to go to that gathering at the bar with the others."
"Yes. I almost forgot. We seldom have moments of idle. And the other team will cover us."
"We must make haste now."
"Yes. Let us."
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KITCHEN ON THE 9TH FLOOR
in the kitchen on the 9th floor of Nazarick. Worked a passionate chef by the name of Shihoutu Tokitu.
"Ah, another day of making food for the denizens of Nazarick. Specials for the maids. Lunch and dinner prepared for the overseer. The guardians. pleiades. Everyone is getting well fed! Well everyone but the one that matters… Lord Ainz. Oh curses! that he doesn't need to eat or drink.
If at least one supreme being had my cooking. I could die a happy man! But alas. Any that depend on sustenance are no more."
As he prepared the stew that would feed the hommunculi maids for the day. He continued to curse his bad luck. Getting ready to finish off the day. His friends called out.
Turning around. He met with the head maid Pestonya shortcake wanko. Clavu the bar tender. And Eclair the assistant butler.
"My friends! I'm so glad to see you all!"
"Indeed. It is good to see you. Head chef. Shall we make our way to the bar? aroof" asked the head maid.
"Yes!"
The group of servants made their way to the bar where a huge gathering of servants was being held.
Clavu had one of Eclair's servants to help him with the bar. Inside. They saw servants from every floor. Each at a table of their own.
The group got a table reserved. Got their drinks and began talking away.
"Shihoutu. Correct me if I'm wrong but you seemed a bit. Under the weather in the kitchen. Is everything alright? aroof" Pestonya pried.
With a sigh he responded. "Oh it's nothing. I was just day dreaming again. Day dreaming for the hope of the greatest day of my life that has not come yet."
"Oh… and what does this 'greatest day of your life' look like?" Clavu asked.
"For the return of the supreme beings. So that I may cook something worthy of them. To fulfill my destiny. I've never once cooked for a supreme being. I'd like to try once. I imagine it would honor my creator lord Amanomahitotsu. Maybe I'd even win his praise in doing so."
"Ah I see. That is quite an issue aroof." said Pestonya.
"Indeed. I too would like to serve a supreme being that can eat and drink a glass of my finest drink as well." said Clavu.
"No need to worry head chef! Once I become ruler of Nazarick. I will appraise your food for the delicacy that it is!" exclaimed Eclair with a dramatic raise of his glass.
A silence just followed. Everyone at the table stood still. Staring at the penguin. The wave of awkwardness just ended the conversation until the head chef spoke.
"Penguin! Your praise is worth less to me than a sack of shit!!!!"
"Goodness. Head chef. Please watch your language. Though I agree with you on that aroof."
Clavu just face palmed himself. Believing he had to endure the penguin's nonsense for the rest of the night.
"Speaking of. What would you all do if the supreme beings ever came back? I'll start. I would serve them whatever drink they wish and if luck permits. I'll be asked to be a private bartender. My greatest wish would be to serve each and every supreme being a drink of whatever they fancy." Clavu finished. The others just clapped.
"If the supreme beings ever came back. I would like to impress them with how well I've managed the maids of the 9 and 10th floors. If I could attend them with at least something that would make me happy it would be to assist in dressing them in an evening gown or suit if they're male. My greatest wish is to see a ballroom dance consisting of the supreme beings. All the ladies and gentlemen demonstrating their divine elegance would mean everything to me. My manners as a refined lady would pale in comparison and perhaps I may learn a thing or two about true elegance aroof." the others clapped as well as Pestonya finished.
Shihoutou spoke next. "If the great ones ever came back. I would dedicate every waking moment to ensure they always had the best breakfast, lunch and dinner. If I could ask for anything. It would be to prepare the best feast to celebrate their return. Yes… that would be a joyous day for me. I would die a happy man if this dream was ever realised." they clapped as well. Though felt that he was in a state of melancholy and hopefulness. But we're interrupted.
"-- And I would like to rule all of Nazarick!! Ushering us into a new era of greatness!!"
The penguin's words caused another surge of silence. One that indicated that they had had enough of his nonsense.
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CAFETERIA ON THE NINTH FLOOR
At the cafeteria where the many servants of Nazarick went to dine. Sat two dragonoid children. Vic and Jon. Both were enjoying their meals until their father Sebas arrived to join them. Together they looked like a happy family enjoying their meals.
"Father. Is everything alright?"asked Vic his eldest daughter.
"Yes. Everything is fine, though that incident with the intruder has caused quite the turmoil in the tomb and among its residents. Such an event has never occurred or rather thought to be possible. Thankfully you children were not in the tomb when it happened."
"Indeed. How awful for someone to desecrate the home of the supreme beings in such a manner! I hope lord Demiurge finds the trespasser soon."
"I don't think it will be that easy Vic."
"What do you mean father?"
"Everyone in Nazarick has deemed this person a high level threat. So dangerous, they managed to fool all of Nazarick and act as one of us. They proclaimed him a mastermind. Whose intellect may rival our lord. From now on we may have to limit our time outside for safety purposes."
"I see." Vic said with a tone of disappointment.
Just then they were joined by Demiurge.
"Greetings to you three."
The children just responded in unison. "Greetings lord Demiurge!"
"Yes. Hello children. Sebas. Me and the guardians request to speak with you at our table. It's in concern of the infiltrator."
After looking at Demiurge. Sebas stood up and agreed to follow him to speak with the other guardians.
Upon arrival. Sebas could see that the guardians were quiet but in inner turmoil as to what happened.
When sitting down at the table. The silence was broken by Aura.
"How?! How?! It doesn't make any sense! We've reviewed surveillance on every floor twice now. And not a single one shows even a glimpse of this mastermind going through! Mare and I would've known if someone went through our floor!"
"INDEED. I. WOULD'VE. KNOWN. AS. WELL. I. HAVE. TRULY. FAILED. THE. SUPREME. ONE." said Cocytus in shame.
Just then. The table was slammed with a hand. The overseer had demanded silence.
"Yes. We have all failed in our sacred duty. A filthy creature has trespassed in our master's home. And worse yet. Got away with it without even a scratch on him. Made us look like fools in front of our lord…that is why we must do everything we can to find them and make him pay for their foolishness!"
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"Alright Jon! We have to get going. Father will take a while with the guardians. If you'd like. We can go read from the chronicles book?"
"Yes! Yes! Lets go! I want to learn more about Ulbert Alain Odle"
The two dragonoid siblings headed to the library to read their favorite book containing stories of the 41.
As they continued reading the book. A voice came. Interrupting them.
"Ah! Well if it isn't Jon and Vic. How are you children doing?"
They knew that powerful commanding voice to belong to none other than the supreme being himself. Ainz Ooal Gown.
Immediately. The children got on their knees to greet the master of the tomb with such fervor.
"Please. Raise your heads. I didn't mean to interrupt you two. Though my curiosity got the better of me. May I ask what you're both doing this deep in the library?"
The eldest sibling Vic stood up to respond.
"Oh not much my lord. We were just looking for a nice place to study is all." She said with. Nervous smile.
Ainz then looked around and upon doing so. Saw the chronicles of Nazarick book.
"Hahahaha! I see and is Nazaricks monarchs part of your studies?" The two kids were startled and confused. They knew they had been discovered. "It's quite alright. I too tend to find myself glossing over that book every now and then. So many memories."
After hearing that. The youngest sibling. Jon. Began to speak.
"Yeah! We were just reading the chapters on lord Ulbert Alain Odle!"
"Oh? So you have an interest in the great demon of disaster? Perhaps you should speak with Demiurge. He may be able to share some of his memories of him with you."
"Yeeeaaaah… I'm a little... I don't want to trouble him. He's a guardian after all. So he must be incredibly busy."
"That may be true but I know for a fact that anyone in nazarick will be more than willing to share their times with my old commarades. To them there is no greater joy than reminiscing about them. I'm sure Demiurge would be happy for Ulberts name to be brought up once or twice."
Vic began to speak.
"It's amazing to imagine that the guardians and Pleiades themselves are already amazing teachers and creations. I can only imagine how their creators must be to think of such perfect creations. Do you think lord Touch me had anticipated me and my brother's existence?"
"Hmmm hard to say. I didn't always know what was on their mind when they created the npc's. All I know is that you two are most fortunate to have him as your fathers primary creator. Touch me was a great mentor to me. I would not be the person I am today without his wisdom. He saved my life once you know?"
"Really?!" The two kids said in unison.
"Oh yes. And did you also know that before me. He was the first king of Nazarick."
'It's okay to bend the truth a little. Well I'm not really making stuff up but just wanna hype them up. I really want them to know that touch me was a really great guy'
The two kids looked in awe at the knowledge given to them by a god of Nazarick.
"But what about lord Ulbert Alain Odle my lord? He's my favorite!" Said Jon.
"Ah yes. Ulbert. He was an admirable friend to me. I might even say he was braver than most."
"Wow. And who would win in a fight? Lord Ulbert or lord Touch me?"
"Jon! That's rude." His sister said. Berating him for his lacking in manners.
All Ainz could do was laugh. It was obvious who would win. Touch me was the strongest in the guild.
Ainz then offered to walk the kids around the tomb.
While they roamed around the halls. They ran into the guardians. Whom immediately kneeled to their master. Demiurge was the first to speak.
"Lord! It's not often you grace these halls with your presence. Is there an occasion?"
"Nothing big. Me and the kids were actually just talking about your creator Ulbert. I do have some impending business, but perhaps you could enlighten them with your personal accounts with your creator."
With a big smile and a wagging tail. Demiurge spoke.
"I would be honored to educate Nazarick's next generation with tales of Lord Ulbert!"
"Excellent. Albedo. How are those plans going for this mastermind problem?"
"I just finished discussing them with Demiurge. Though I have my doubts it will succeed my lord. After all. We do not know their true goals. Please forgive our incompetence my lord."
"It's fine. As long as we have increased security in nazarick and our operations. I'm fine. As for setting a trap for this mastermind. Whether it works or not. All that matters is that we try something. It's more dangerous to do nothing than to try anything."
The guardians agreed in unison at his words and bowed to take his wisdom to heart.
"Now then let us go avenge this tomb. That mastermind has disgraced the sacred halls my comrades built. So in their honor we shall defeat this new threat!! They will know defeat!!"
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IN THE NAZARICK CAFETERIA
"Why hello there young lady cz delta!! How are you doing this lovely afternoon?" Pandoras actor asks.
Cz delta just ignores him and continues drinking her juice.
As usual. Pandora refuses to give up. Ever since she treated him kindly all those years ago when he transformed into a cat. He's been so eager to have her like him not just in his cat form but his real form as well.
So far he has not reached any success.
Immediately he pulls out a chess board hoping she'll be enticed to play. As he sets it on the table in front of her.
But she just leaves instead.
He then tries the same offer with the other maids in the cafeteria. Only to be rejected over and over.
'What is it that I'm doing wrong? Perhaps I'm not making enough hand gestures?'
A/N
While I'm still on my hiatus. I hope this fun short story was enough. Im currently working on the next few chapters. The one I'm on just has me stuck. In the meantime, I wanted to give you all this chapter as thanks for reading my work. I'm still trying to get better at this but your viewership means alot and has been a driving factor for me. Thank you. More to come.