Philian Apolesai

Pursuit

Deep underground, in the very heart of Nazarick, Albedo sat alone at an ornate desk that seemed just a bit too large for her. Because it was Ainz's. Her lord had left for E-Rantel just a few hours before, when their meeting with Demiurge concluded, but the succubus already missed him. In times like these she would take her paperwork to his bedroom. The fact that he never slept in his bed and rarely used this desk over the one in his office did not deter her. It was one of the few comforts she could easily attain and nothing would make it feel less special.

As she flipped through her last few papers she noticed something for the treasury—a request to deposit the rarities of this new world which would require the permission of Pandora's Actor. She allowed herself a small sigh. Thanks to her gift, movement throughout the tomb was never an issue, but before a conversation with Pandora's Actor it would be wise to brace oneself.

Now, as prepared as she can be, Albedo retrieved the documents and teleported away. A brief feeling of weightlessness taking over to move her through the plains. The slightly chill air and blueish light of Ainz's bedroom replaced with warmth and an all-encompassing golden glow. Strangely, Pandora's Actor did not appear. Usually he would be jumping around any visitor the moment they appeared. As the Overseer, the idea that one of the guardians was slacking off irritated her, but she needed to find him before she could dish out any sort of punishment.

The clacking of her heels muffled by the long carpet that led to the room ahead. Nearing the doorway she could finally hear him. Pandora's emphatic voice rang out, but he was not speaking to her. He seemed to be in a conversation with someone else. On instinct Albedo stopped, silencing herself to better listen. It wasn't nosy since it was her job to know all the goings-on of Nazarick after all.

"Yes, YES! I'm listening! Appeared out of nowhere in the west. Coming out of the water like a—hm?"

It seems Pandora's senses finally caught up. Quickly he whipped around and scanned the room. If he didn't have any more to say then there wasn't any need to stay in the hall. Albedo stepped into the light with her usual serene smile.

"Good Evening, Pandora's Actor." She made a point to innocently glance around the room, bringing a dainty finger up to her mouth for good measure. "Ah, I thought I heard you speaking to someone but I don't see anyone here."

"OH! Lady Albedo! Always a pleasure for you to visit the treasury."

The doppelgänger immediately cleared the distance between them before continuing. Disrespecting all personal space, as was his standard.

"Yes, yesyesyes, I was talking. But not to someone. Something!"

He dramatically twirled around her as he pulled an item out of his coat. It was a large data crystal that he cradled like a child. Carefully holding it a little higher in front of Albedo's eyes so she could easily admire its beauty.

"I LOVE talking to ALL the treasures of the Supreme Ones! It is a great honor for me to care for them as I do and I must do all I can for them. I was telling this one a story. I believe doing such things will—"

"How fascinating," Albedo interrupted, knitting her thin eyebrows together slightly. "And this particular treasure is able to tell stories as well?"

Pandora's Actor backed up slightly. Ceasing all his dramatic movements, only rubbing the glasslike surface of the crystal slightly. He had no face but he seemed slightly offended.

"Every artifact in this treasury holds a piece of history, Lady Albedo. It is my duty to ensure they do not grow lonely or forgotten."

Albedo did not believe his explanation. Pandora's Actor was... eccentric, to say the least, but he was not insane. Just from the small snippet she'd overheard it did not sound like a simple one-sided conversation between a man and a rock. Doubts aside, she was still here on business. Albedo held the folder up between them. Gently pressing it down on his-still raised hands so he would hopefully put the crystal away and focus on her task.