Philian Apolesai

Treasure Pt. 2

The door closed behind Vesi with a soft thud, the sound echoing faintly in the quiet room. She lingered for a moment, brushing her fingers against her knuckles. Mind replayed the brief kiss. The gesture had caught her off guard, and even now her heart fluttered uncomfortably at the memory. She let out a small huff, shaking her head. Perhaps that's just how "supreme ones" were treated. The room ahead was both familiar and imposing, the grand decor of Nazarick making it feel like stepping into a memory that had grown far larger than she remembered. At the far end sat Ainz Ooal Gown, the great Sorcerer King. His skeletal form seemed almost regal, but the subtle tilt of his head gave the impression of someone deep in thought.

Ainz glanced up, glowing red flames fixing on her. He gestured toward the maid standing in the corner.

"Thank you, Fiore. You're dismissed."

Fiore hesitated for a fraction of a second, glancing at Vesi before bowing deeply and exiting the room, the door closing behind her with a finality that left the two in silence. Ainz exhaled—a reflexive habit rather than a necessity—as he leaned back in his seat. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence that followed felt oddly intimate, but also awkward. Ainz gave a small, unnecessary sigh, leaning back in his chair.

"Thanks for coming," Ainz began after a moment, his tone lighter than she expected. "I know I pulled you away from your tour."

Vesi waved a hand dismissively as she crossed the room to the sofa. "Oh, don't worry about that! I was ready for a break anyway," she said with a grin, settling into the plush seat. "So, what's up?"

Ainz chuckled—a dry, rattling sound that managed to carry warmth. "They can be a bit much, can't they?"

Vesi let out a short laugh, shaking her head. "Adorable. Absolutely terrifying. Both things at once. And Demiurge... well, let's just say he's very thorough."

"'Thorough' is certainly a polite way to put it," Ainz said with a touch of wry amusement. "The guardians mean well, but their enthusiasm can be overwhelming at times. I sometimes forget just how... intense they can be."

"They've definitely made an impression," Vesi said, leaning back and propping one leg over the other.

Ainz tilted his head, a hint of amusement in his voice. "They've been reporting back to me about your return. Each one is bursting with excitement—and praise for you. While it's heartening to see, I imagine it could be a lot to take in."

Vesi's brow furrowed slightly as she leaned forward. "They're wonderful, really. But, yeah... I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a little overwhelming. I feel like I'm walking into expectations I'm not sure I can live up to."

Ainz studied her for a moment before speaking, his tone softening. "They revere you, Vesi. Revere us would be a better way to say it, I guess. In their eyes, we're gods who are meant to lead them. It's only natural they'd hold you in such high regard." He paused, his glowing eyes meeting hers. "But I know first hand how stressful it can feel. Have you felt any pressure so far?"

Vesi hesitated, then sighed. "A little. They're looking up to me in a way I don't think I deserve. It's like..." She trailed off for a moment. "I don't know what it's like. I've never felt something like this before." Ainz nodded, his skeletal hands folding neatly in his lap. "I know the feeling. Even now, I sometimes struggle with the role they've placed on me. But you don't have to face this alone. I'll help you." His voice gained a touch of reassurance. "It took me a while to figure out how to navigate them," his bony hands clacked together quietly as he fidgeted. All the nervousness and small twitches that he usually worked so hard to suppress coming right back to the surface the moment he was comfortable. "I won't say I know everything, but I'll tell you what I know."