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The Demiurge and The Greater King
The Fool on the Doorstep

The Fool on the Doorstep

Demiurgus was broken from his reveries by the discordant tones of Shalltear caterwauling. Aggh. The woman did enjoy hearing her own voice, though no one else did. He loathed having to deal with her and her idiosyncrasies, finding her enormously irritating; still, it was his job to manage her as well as everyone else here, and he had to admit she was sufficiently powerful and intelligent for her station as Floor Guardian. So he hid his irritation as he approached the gate, where Shalltear was busy berating the guard lieutenant. "Why would you summon me to deal with this human? Are you a thrall, unable to use your own judgement? I should have you guard the floors of the kitchens with mop and bucket instead!"

The lieutenant stood uncomfortably at attention before her, sweating noticeably. "He approached with sword sheathed and hailed us peacefully. We've been instructed to guard against attack but also to keep a low profile, and there are no standing orders regarding peaceful visitors. I don't know what we're supposed to do with him and I didn't think we should kill him or simply turn him away. How did he find his way here in the first place? Shouldn't he be interrogated?"

Shalltear scoffed. "'The Greater King'. He's obviously demented. If he were truly a noble he would send a diplomat, or if he were traveling he would come with a retinue." She turned away in a dismissal, waving in the short man's general direction. "Kill him and be done with it."

"One moment." The Lieutenant and Shalltear only now noticed Demiurge's approach. He strolled before the little man, whose mild grin hadn't changed during the prior discussion and didn't change now. The brightly and discordantly colored clothes made the man appear as a fool, and the yellow fabric "crown" didn't help at all. Examining more closely, the fabric of the clothing wasn't of a quality to be expected of nobility, but it was in nearly new condition, an obvious costume. How someone traveled unnoticed to Nazarick without any luggage and without scuffing such a costume was a good question though. Peering through other senses, the man had no significant magical items on him, nor any indications of concealment spells or charms. His sword and knife, while also in new-seeming sheaths, were good quality and well-used steel, if plain. "I am Demiurge, master of the defenses of the tomb of Nazarick. May I have your name and reason for coming here?"

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The man made a - very - short bow, and spoke melodically, emotively, "Greetings, Master Demiurge. I am Coyote, the Greater King of this world, and I am here for an audience with my greater vassal, Lord Ainz Ooal Gown." He continued smiling, staring Demiurge in the eyes, apparently unconcerned about the consternation he had just raised in Demiurge. Lord Ainz being his vassal?? Ridiculous! And that short bow... Upon reflection the bow would have been appropriately polite were the man actually what he said he was, laughable as it might be. An actor, in costume, playing a role. Demiurge actually had to spend some effort maintaining his calm composure. On the one hand the idea of someone superior to Lord Ainz was insane; on the other, Demiurge was predisposed towards anyone who showed proper manners, and found no fault in this man's behavior.

He also thought Lord Ainz would gain some amusement from the man before putting him in his place - likely quite thoroughly. Lord Ainz did not suffer fools lightly. Fools were for entertainment after all. Demiurge returned the man's bow, to a - slightly - greater degree. "Very well. Please enter."

Shalltear goggled. "Hah?? You're bringing this, this charlatan, into Nazarick??"

"It is only proper for guests to be presented to Lord Ainz. I shall escort him. We must discuss the next phase of expanding Nazarick's defenses, but that will wait." Looking to the guard lieutenant, "And Lady Shalltear was correct, while this is her floor the outer defenses are my responsibility and you shouldn't be bothering her. Until further notice, should any similar incident arise, contact me directly." To the 'king', he said, "follow me" and led the way deeper into the tomb. Shalltear choked a bit as they proceeded, and called out "Lord Ainz shall hear about this!" unthinkingly and unnecessarily, since Demiurge was already reaching out.

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