Philian Apolesai

Reunion

"Vesi..?"

His voice was low, barely above a whisper, as if saying her name would break whatever spell had brought her here and she would vanish again. She nodded before taking a tentative step forward. There was a small smile on her face, but she hugged herself tightly as if she would fall apart if she didn't. Her arms trembled, and her body was strained as she dared to move even closer. Her eyes searched his face—or what would have been his face, had he still possessed one. She opened her mouth to say something, but before she could, her body shuddered once more. Traces of fear slipped into her expression, betraying how much she needed reassurance.

"Vesi!"

The words came out with more force than he intended, and he took a few rushed steps toward her. But just as quickly, he stopped himself. The mixture of confusion, excitement, and happiness had built too much, and his inhibitor attempted to wash them away, but it wasn't enough. Nothing would be enough to stamp out this joy.

"I never thought I'd see you again."

Vesi's smile widened, tears of relief pricking at the corners of her eyes. Seeing his reaction—that he was happy to see her—gave her the courage to close the distance. Her heart hammered in her chest as she whispered, "Momonga... I can't believe it either."

The wavering of her words pulled him closer. He felt a deep need to comfort her, but he hesitated. Should he hug her? Could he hug her? It seemed like the natural thing to do, but he worried how the servants might perceive it. Would it be seen as weakness, or as a benevolent ruler welcoming a lost friend back into the fold? Their ever-watchful eyes never ceased their scrutiny, and he couldn't shake that feeling. But Vesi ended up making the decision for him. Once he moved within range, she pulled him into a loose hug. It was surprising, but if she had initiated it, surely it would be alright. He returned her embrace, careful to stay as gentle as she was.

Being pressed into a cage of hard bone shouldn't be so pleasant, but it felt like years of abandonment and fears of not being accepted were all crushed by a single touch. She closed her eyes, focusing on breathing to keep herself from breaking down completely in his arms. Feeling his arms wrap around her so readily, with not an ounce of malice or lingering hatred in his actions, it felt too perfect. All her words, all her planned speeches, were caught in her throat as she leaned further into him.

Sensing her struggle, Ainz gently loosened his hold, just enough to look down into her eyes.

"Where have you been?"

He spoke softly and held her like a china doll. Her wide eyes shimmered with tears. She seemed so close to breaking, and he didn't want to risk rushing her when she already looked so fragile. But there were a few things he just had to know. Vesi pulled away from him slightly, turning to look at the corner before answering.

"I was just lost. But, Demiurge. He found me, he brought me back."

Ainz nodded, his inhibitor finally successful in calming him down. He shifted his gaze momentarily to Demiurge. The demon was still standing near the door; his usual wide smile was now absent, replaced by a softer, almost tender expression. Ainz had never seen him without his signature look of calculated amusement. But as soon as Demiurge noticed Ainz's gaze on him, he straightened. His face slipped back into its familiar, controlled smile as he took a step closer. Bowing once in acknowledgment, his eyes briefly met Ainz's. The demon's voice, usually dripping with charm, was now subdued as he spoke,

"It was my honor, Lord Ainz. Ensuring her safe return was my proud duty."

It was then that Ainz realized the strain Vesi must have gone through. She seemed less nervous now, but her body was still tense from the stress. Gently, he guided her to the sofas in the middle of the room.