Philian Apolesai

Schooling

Vesi sat with one shoe on and the other kicked off, abandoned somewhere under the chair. Idly, she drew small circles into the rug with her toes.

She'd been ready ten minutes ago. Or almost ready. Dressed, at least. Her hair had been done. All that was left to do was wait for the day to officially start. That left her in silence, with plenty of time to think.

Five days.

A little less than that now, actually.

For the very first time, she'd be stepping into a foreign court as someone important. That nervousness she'd felt before going to Carne was nothing in comparison to this. Without the faintest idea of how a proper noble should act—let alone what would be expected in this specific Empire—she was so very likely to do something foolish. Ainz had said the Emperor of this place was a good friend of his, but that almost made it worse. This was someone he cared about! She really shouldn't have skimmed all those books⋯

Her head hit the back of the sofa with a soft -thunk- She stared at the ceiling, arms folded loosely over her stomach.

This wasn't something she could wing like last time. There wasn't much time left before they went, but there had to be a good way to make herself presentable. A crash course in formalities. Ainz seemed to have everything under control, but he was so busy. Just today he was going to be off in meetings till midday at least. It wouldn't be right to barge in to whatever he was doing so he could critique her facial expressions.

The door opened quietly. Someone had knocked, but she had been too in her own mind to notice. Thank goodness the maid was here.

Vesi shifted, lifting her head just as Demiurge stepped inside.

As always, he looked... put together. Impossibly so. Clothes crisp, posture perfect, expression calm in a way that made her vaguely self-conscious about the fact she was half-slouched with one shoe missing.

"Lady Vesi," he greeted, inclining his head. "Good morning."

"G'morning, Demiurge," she immediately straightened herself, as though that could fix anything. "How're you doing today?"

As he bowed, her eyes flicked over his form again before she could stop herself. If anyone knew how to act like they belonged in a room full of powerful people, it was him.

"I thank you greatly for asking such a thing of your lowly servant," it felt like there was the slightest waver in his voice. "I'm very well. I've just finished discussing a report with Lord Ainz and, as I was nearby, I thought it only right that I come to visit you, my lady."

"Gosh, you're always so busy, makes me feel behind." Vesi internally cringed the moment she admitted that. There was no way a superior should be talking about how little she does! Demiurge's tail flicked slightly at her words.

"So, you have no plans to be leaving any time soon?"

"No, I guess not."

Demiurge's smile seemed to widen at that, but it was quickly covered by a hand as he pushed up his spectacles.

"Then, may I stay with you? It's only proper that a Supreme One have a Guardian near."

"Oh," she couldn't help the small noise of surprise that came from her. He wanted to stick around. Granted, apparently it was a part of protocol for him, but still, it was enough to make her smile. "Of course, make yourself comfortable." Vesi gestured to the couch across from her, and he listened instantly.

"I'm grateful for your indulging me." He moved toward the table without hesitation, already reaching into his inventory. Papers appeared in neat stacks as he sat, a pen following a moment later.