Genji moved quietly through the grand, dim corridors of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, the teleportation function making it easy to go back and forth. Walking along the ninth floor, which led to the halls where the Forty-Two Supreme Beings once gathered, he could hear the distant sound of footsteps echoing.
As Demiurge approached, his gaze swept over the lavish surroundings, brimming with pride. "As expected, this place is grand, fitting for the Supreme Beings," he murmured, both in awe of the beauty and of everything that had been created by the Forty-Two Supreme Beings. Every time he visited, he felt a deep sense of purpose, and even the other guardians, maids, and eccentric characters here kept perfectly silent in respect.
Turning a corner, Demiurge came face to face with Genji, one of the esteemed Supreme Beings. Demiurge immediately bowed. "Greetings, Lord Genji."
Genji, surprised to see him, offered a nod. "Demiurge."
After a pause, Demiurge spoke again, clearly pleased. "To meet you here is truly an honor."
Genji looked around, then asked, "What brings you here, Demiurge?"
With a respectful push of his glasses, Demiurge glanced towards a nearby room. "I'm here to see Lady Albedo."
Genji raised an eyebrow, a bit amused. "Albedo?"
Demiurge quickly offered, "If she's been disrespectful, I can bring her here right away—"
Genji waved his hand. "No need."
Just then, a small figure appeared from Momonga's room. It was Ekurea, the petite penguin butler of Nazarick's ninth floor. He let out a startled squawk upon seeing Genji and offered a deep bow, though his tiny form could barely manage it. "Greetings, Lord Genji."
Genji crouched down and lifted the small creature, who trembled a little in his grasp. The Crown Princess seemed fond of this little one, often seen holding him, and Genji could see why. There was something oddly comforting about him.
Turning to Demiurge, Ekurea nodded. "Yes, as a butler, it's rare for me to be here. Since Sebas is away, I've come to discuss the cleaning duties for this floor with Lady Albedo."
Demiurge acknowledged him, "Yes, the care of the ninth floor falls to you. It's essential to keep it spotless for the Supreme Beings."
Ekurea puffed up with pride, practically glowing as he replied, "Absolutely! I aim to make it so clean you could… well, eat off the floors."
Demiurge gave an approving nod. "Excellent! Your dedication ensures that this place remains worthy of the Supreme Beings."
Genji, holding the little penguin, chuckled, "Then, where do you plan to start?"
"Cleaning, of course!" Ekurea replied, eyes shining. "No one cleans like me! I'll make sure every corner shines!"
At that moment, Albedo appeared, her appearance as impeccable as ever. Demiurge couldn't resist commenting, "Look who's here—the esteemed Lady Albedo."
Bowing deeply, Albedo greeted, "The respected Lord Genji is here; naturally, I would come at once."
Outside the grand hall, the other guardians—Aura, Mare, Sebastian, Solution, and Shalltear—stood waiting. They were there because Demiurge had brought the survivors of the Sunlight Scripture incident in Kahn Village to his "Happy Ranch" for his... unique experiments, involving cycles of damage and healing.
In these quiet moments, the guardians' loyalty and the vast power of the Supreme Beings seemed to fill the air, a silent, unyielding promise of their dedication to Nazarick.