Lucy Heartfilia (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
lucy_heartfilia) wrote2022-12-01 09:29 pm
lucy_heartfilia) wrote2022-12-01 09:29 pm
The bard of Nazarick Chapter 2
"Well then David, now that I have you alone... What part of Earth are you from exactly?" Ainz had brought David to his own private quarters, which he hadn't used as much as he used to with the takeover of E-rantel. He had let David take a seat at his desk since humans were bound to tire eventually unlike the undead, so he could stand with little difficulty.
"Oh I'm from the United States, I was the manager of a fast food restaurant before coming here because of how messed up our society can be." Ainz just stared at him blankly which seemed par for the course for an undead entity to a certain degree, but Ainz had no idea what he was talking about. The United States? Didn't that country fall apart over a century ago? He probably wouldn't make up something that stupid if he was trying to simply bluff him, so what was going on?
"The... United States? Of America?" He had to confirm that's what he meant, because perhaps he was referring to one of those small democratic republics that popped up now and then, but David nodded confirming Ainz's question. David then seemed to realize that Ainz didn't seem to believe everything he was saying, so he cleared his throat trying to explain.
"Well... for starters I feel like I should tell you that my Earth might be... quite a bit different than your own? As I understand it you're from the year 2208 or something?" This statement of David's baffled Ainz, because he had assumed anyone from Earth would be from his Earth! How could the guy have gotten the year wrong by nearly a hundred years?! Did he really come from over a century ago?! How the hell would he know about Nazarick like that?! What the hell was going on?!
"2138 actually... am I to understand that you're from some time before 2020?" That was the time of the fall of the United States if he remembered his history lessons correctly. Something about a civil war that broke out during some sort of pandemic? He suddenly wished he'd learned his history lessons just a little bit better.
"2022 actually." Now Ainz was... utterly baffled, and he felt the need to sit down on his bed before all these revelations made him just reel from shock. Thankfully his emotion suppressor was able to kick in again, and that allowed him to start thinking things through a bit more clearly.
"Hmm... I have a theory, but in order to confirm it, could you tell me everything you know about Nazarick? And this world?" So David explained the full extent of the Overlord anime as he remembered it, even explaining that in his world that he learned all of this from an anime called Overlord. He talked about Ainz's days as Momonga, Hero Hero's goodbye and the final moments of the Yggdrasil server, his rescue of Carne Village to repay his debt to Touch me, he even explained the details Ainz didn't know about, like Clementine's former involvement with the Slane Theocracy's black scripture, Shalltear confronting the black scripture and their use of the world item Downfall of Castle and Country, and how Shalltear had managed to kill the one who used the world item on her before she could be given any orders.
"Hold on a moment, are you telling me that all this time it was that damned theocracy that had mind controlled Shalltear!?" David's face blanched as he saw Ainz's anger swell to a peak he had yet to witness in person. Again the emotion inhibitor kicked in and Ainz shook his head. "Forgive me, we've been searching for years and I think I've left the theocracy to its own devices too long. Make no mistake, if this is true Nazarick will be preparing for war. But please, continue."
As David did continue, Ainz was left still rather... baffled by everything he was hearing. His life here had been turned into an anime in David's world? It did sort of confirm a very far fetched theory he once heard from Tabula, but Tabula was pretty well known for his love of the occult and rather bizarre concepts. Every detail David shared that Ainz was aware of, was completely accurate, even small little comments he hadn't even remembered, that came rushing back to him with certain amounts of cringing embarrassment, like moments such as using Shalltear as a chair. He had no idea that this anime would focus so heavily on the lives of his enemies like the daily life of the lizardmen, the workers who'd invaded Nazarick, the daily life of the Blue Rose adventurers, even some of the hero worship of Albedo and Demiurge when he wasn't there to hear what they were thinking of 'his' plans. It was a lot to digest, and Ainz urged David to keep going, saving the rest of his questions until he finished going over the events of this anime.
"I was going to be a bit more skeptical about whether the information about my enemies was actually correct, since our versions of Earth seem to differ so greatly, but every bit of information you've shared that I do know about has been on point. There are certainly gaps in your knowledge, but that's likely because they'd have been deemed as not very interesting. Now to explain the theory I had... it has to do with the nature of parallel universes. Tabula and I once discussed this, and he was the one to suggest the theory that if there is an infinite number of possibilities, it is possible that every story that was ever told is its own parallel universe, and that those who tell those stories are actually channeling the parallel universe rather than having imagined it on their own. That could explain why your anime has described the events that transpired here so accurately." David himself seemed a bit skeptical about that theory, but he didn't really seem to have any better theories to offer. He was here after all.
"I had rather hoped you might have been able to tell me if one of my friends was in this world, but it seems like that might still be a far-fetched hope on my part. Judging from what you've told me about the Slane Theocracy and the Platinum dragon lord, the players that came here from Yggdrasil in the past were from centuries ago as I had suspected. The fact that you know about my origins and as much as you do know about my old friends means that you have quite a lot of sensitive information in your head that I would not like to have leave this room. I could kill you, or erase your memories to ensure this, but you have done me an immense favor by sharing this information with me, and I do not like to repay kindness with cruelty." David had paled considerably when Ainz had casually suggested that he could kill him, but seemed to relax again when Ainz mentioned that he didn't want to do that.
"Since I don't want to kill you, let me see if I can bribe you. As you are well aware, I have an entire kingdom that I manage so I'd like to hear what you would wish for most from me if I were to offer you anything your heart desired." Ainz watched David carefully, judging just how greedy his new acquaintance might decide to be if given free reign to do so. He never promised he'd give him anything his heart desired, he simply implied that he would give it to him as a way of saying thank you and to shut him up. If he were going to ask to be made the second in command and be allowed to do anything he wished with Nazarick, Ainz very well might decide he simply wasn't worth the trouble and erase his memories of Nazarick. It would be a pity to waste such potential, but he did not want to deal with an over-ambitious or greedy fool. He had promised David's safety back in the throne room, and David was still from Earth, so he definitely didn't want to kill him even if he might suggest it. There was no way in the world Ainz expected to hear the words that came out of David's mouth.
"Well for starters, I'd like you to start up a romantic relationship with Albedo."
"..."
Ainz jaw just dropped, the shock causing his emotion suppressor to kick in again and he eventually rubbed his skeletal hand against his head with a pained expression. He really had over-estimated this guy's ambition! Seriously?! The first thing he asked for when he was offered anything was that?! Did he know that Ainz was testing him? Or... "Did she... put you up to this as some sort of condition for your survival? Because I can promise you, I won't let her hold you to that!"
David shook his head with a grin at the Overlord's flustered look. "No, I just think that it's the right thing for you to do. You altered her so that she is in love with you, so I feel it is only appropriate that you take responsibility for that. She's incapable of not having feelings for you, so the only thing you're doing by not letting her pursue those feelings is leaving both of you unsatisfied. You obviously liked her enough to make the silly change in the first place, even if you thought it was just something for fun before the servers shut down. Why run away from those feelings she has?"
Ainz facepalmed, feeling as though he was the one being grilled here, when he had originally intended to gauge David's intentions and motivations! "The fact that I was the one that put those feelings inside of her just makes it worse, doesn't it? I was being a fool with impulsive desires, and I overwrote Tabula's carefully constructed characterization!"
"I don't know if that was a very carefully constructed bit of characterization you decided to overwrite, and then you should also think about the other members of Nazarick and how they feel about you. Do you really think that it's impossible Albedo wouldn't have feelings for you even if you hadn't written them in there yourself? Her feelings are just that much stronger because of what you did, and she would likely be a lot friendlier to everyone around her with you as her romantic partner. Also I think that if Tabula knew you were thrown into another world all by yourself, without any of your family or friends from Ainz Ooal Gown, he probably wouldn't mind if you fell in love with and found happiness in his creation. He might even be flattered!" Ainz let out a groan, burying his face in his bed sheets since he knew that he could act this way in front of David without losing face with him.
"David, the fact that I made her be in love with me... and then to act on that by... it would be almost akin to rape!" Ainz wasn't looking very ruler like from his position with his face down in the bedsheets, but he supposed this was the first time in forever he had been able to relax and be his true self.
David just shook his head with a disapproving look that Ainz couldn't see. "Hardly. You hadn't changed her settings knowing this would happen, and if anything she's the one who's tried to rape you once isn't she?" Ainz groaned because a lot of what David was saying made sense, but this was an issue he still wanted to run away from!
"I believe I may have forgotten to mention this with all the other things I've mentioned, but Albedo can't even ride her Bicorn because she is a virgin. Her feelings for you make her incapable of betraying you by sleeping with someone else, so she is actually weakened by the alteration you've made to her until you act upon it. She's too ashamed to bring this information to you herself, because she didn't want you to do it just out of pity. Think about it, the poor girl is a succubus who is incapable of doing what a succubus is supposed to do!" This time Ainz did stop to consider David's words much more carefully, because strengthening Nazarick was one of his top priorities.
"I suppose that everything you've said does make some sense, but it still feels like I'd be crossing a line that I shouldn't. Also in case you haven't noticed, I'm undead. How exactly do you expect me to have sex with her so that she's not a virgin?" David simply shrugged, which caused Ainz to facepalm again at how stupid he felt this conversation was.
"Why not let her worry about that? She and Demiurge are quite clever, and he's been doing all sorts of research into that very concept. Why not ask them if they have any solutions that won't cause you any permanent harm or alterations? Also I don't think Albedo minds very much about the state of your body if the time she almost raped you is any indication." Ainz felt like his emotional suppression was working in overtime with the amount of embarrassment this conversation kept piling on him.
"Alright already, enough! Give me some time to think about it. Surely that can't be your only wish, right?" If it was, he really had to wonder what kind of crazy anime fan this guy was! Was he one of those crazy shut in Otakus? Why else would he be so obsessed with the relationship of two people he thought were fictional before today?
"Well I'd love to be able to play that Lyre of yours some more, but you'll probably need me to be in a safe environment to do that right? That's not really on the top of my list, but it kind of pertains to part of what I'd love to do I think. Really when I was on Earth my dream was to be a rock star, but as you might be familiar with, that's not a very easy profession to get your talents recognized. Now that I'm here and I'm talking with the ruler of probably the most powerful nation in the world, my dream hasn't really changed very much, it's just that I can more likely make it come true. I'd love to be able to just perform my music for you guys, and maybe live here in Nazarick if you don't mind lending me a room. I promise I'll try to work hard for you, if you're worried I'll just be some sort of free loader!" Ainz never ceased to be amazed by this guy. Rock stars were sort of a relic of a bygone age in his world, but if he was being honest? David's 'dream' worked out perfectly for his own plans! He had been this close to keeping him locked up in Nazarick no matter what he said, and David just saved him the trouble of looking like the bad guy by asking to stay! Okay, play it cool Ainz.
"An intriguing proposal. And what would you expect your daily life to be like in Nazarick? Many of those that work and live here don't have much of a concept of time off. You're only human, so I would not want to force you to follow such a rigid lifestyle." This time David seemed to stroke his chin in thought, as if he hadn't entirely considered that far ahead.
"Well I imagine that I'd likely be put to work trying to help you manage some of the administrative duties that comes with running your kingdom. You're low on trusted personnel who can handle all the paperwork that is likely to be piling up, and if I'm going to be asking you to pursue a romantic relationship with Albedo that will mean she'll have less time to work on all her administrative duties. When I'm not working on paperwork, I suppose I'll have time to try to work on my music, and then besides that I might have free time to explore the various facilities on these floors like the spa. Maybe I could even befriend some of the NPCs here, or even start to train myself to become stronger so that I can help Nazarick on the front lines when the time comes for that war. I don't know how much good my music can do in combat, but I suspect that Lyre isn't just for the sake of flashy musical numbers. I think I remember you starting up a training facility in E-rantel, so maybe I could visit that, or perhaps you could set up something similar in the upper floors of Nazarick if you're worried about my well being? Personally I'd be a bit worried that any training your subordinates would try to give me might be too much for me to handle, but maybe the lizardmen could help train me in combat?" If Ainz had thought David hadn't thought far enough ahead, he apparently was sorely mistaken, because David was thinking pretty far ahead! He was already thinking of things Ainz himself had been debating, since the guy seemed like he'd probably die the minute someone stabbed him. He was such a twig of a person, he kind of wondered if he even bothered to eat regularly.
"You do realize that in order to do paperwork you would need to be able to read and write the writings of this world, right?" David slumped in his chair slightly, that thought having apparently slipped his mind.
"Perhaps we can impose on princess Renner to teach you, so that you can be of some assistance. I believe that might be a worthwhile investment, even if it means that we'll be eating up some of her time to help us with administrative paperwork. As for your combat training? I think it might be beneficial for you to consider discarding your humanity to become a different race from Yggdrasil. You may feel free to take your time to consider it, and I will leave you with some options to choose from, but your human body is quite limited. It looks like you didn't take very good care of your physical fitness, so your singing voice and your mind are some of the only things that body of yours has going for it. Both of which you'd retain if you were to change your species to one from Yggdrasil, as you've seen with princess Renner." David seemed rather excited by the prospect of changing species, which took Ainz a little by surprise, but perhaps David realized his own physical shortcomings and wanted to take a shortcut? He'd find out it wasn't so much a shortcut as just changing his physiology so that it would be possible to get stronger through training than his frail human body could.
"Could I be a doppelganger?! Then I could transform into anyone right?" Oh... was that why he was excited? Was this some sort of long lived fantasy of his? To be able to transform into others? Well it certainly wasn't something that could happen on Earth, so he could understand the appeal...
"That... might be possible. Doppelgangers tend to have certain weaknesses to balance out their transformation capacity, but I suppose as a bard you'd already have certain weaknesses anyways. Just bear in mind that if you do learn to transform into other forms, you won't have the same strength of the being you transformed into. I might be able to have Pandora's actor educate you on the ins and outs of being a doppelganger if you have your heart set on it. Narberal isn't exactly a good example of your typical doppelganger, so I doubt you'd have much luck learning anything from her. For the time being I think it will be best for you to learn the ins and outs of living in Nazarick, so I will ask Albedo who she'd like to have give you a tour. You've given me much to think about, so I will be busy for a while." David nodded, standing up as he sensed from Ainz's words that he was finished talking with him. Their conversation had been rather long, since David had to explain everything he knew about the Overlord Anime, and he was starting to get a bit hungry.
"Thank you Ainz, and please don't forget to think about Albedo. I know you find it embarrassing, but she is your second in command, and her happiness greatly effects how productive your entire kingdom will be." Ainz simply sighed as he lead David back to the throne room, where everyone was still waiting for them. Nazarick was still on high alert, and the throne room was where the Pleiades, Sebas, and Albedo were often assigned for a siege against Nazarick. It seemed he was going to have to face the consequences of Albedo's infatuation much sooner than he'd hoped with David pestering him to make a move, and just looking at Albedo now made him feel nervous. She was so gorgeous! He'd been playing the part of a supreme overlord for a while, but that didn't mean he was any good with women! Aw man... why couldn't David have just been someone who didn't care about his love life?
Lord Ainz? The message spell rang in his head, and he instinctively put a hand to his head to receive it, signaling David to wait for him with his other hand.
Shalltear? Were you able to find anything?
No milord. I've been exceptionally thorough, but there's not a trace. Whatever brought this human to Nazarick either didn't use magic that can be detected, or they covered their tracks so carefully that it's impossible to trace. Ainz inwardly sighed at Shalltear's words, disappointed but not surprised.
It seems that is one mystery we have yet to resolve. On another note, this human has been able to provide as with a plethora of valuable information, one piece that I think you may find quite interesting. It seems that you managed to slay the one that took over your mind before she could give you orders.
She!? You mean we know their identity now!? Shalltear's voice sounded almost beside itself with emotion.
Indeed, it was a woman from a sect of the Slane theocracy. Not only that, but it seems you were able to ascertain the fact that you were about to come under her control, and fought against it long enough to slay her. Shalltear, I know that you felt you had failed Nazarick when you learned of this mind control you'd fallen under, but I want you to know I am immensely proud of you. You not only fought someone who used a world class item on you, you arguably won against them too! If we had known the full details of all that had transpired, I would have likely rewarded your efforts rather than punished you. Shalltear, I cannot change what has already been done, but I want you to know I'm sorry, and that I always believed in you.
There was silence from Shalltear's end for a moment or two, and then it was evident it was because she'd been crying. Oh Lord Ainz! My beloved lord Ainz! You're much too good to me! I am hardly worthy of such praise from you, but thank you so much! Thank this human for me too! I swear to you that when the time comes, I will wreak terrible vengeance upon the theocracy!
Hearing Shalltear's response made Ainz smile, glad to hear Shalltear being able to look at that troubling event positively now. The other guardians and she herself had been quite hard on her for turning against them, but he'd known all along the fault was not hers. He only agreed to punishing her to give her some means of closure, but now he felt he could give her genuine closure in the knowledge that she fought valiantly for Nazarick. She would definitely be able to fulfill that vow she made, because Ainz was going to do far worse to the theocracy than he'd done to Re-Estize!
Why don't you come thank him yourself? He will be staying with us in Nazarick full time as a new member. I'm telling you first, that I'd like everyone to treat him as a treasured and trusted companion. He is quite weak, so please be sure to be very gentle with him.
Of course milord! I will treat him with the utmost courtesy if that is your wish, and spread the word.
Satisfied with the results of that conversation, he made his way back to the throne with David following him, up until Ainz was within a few feet of the throne. The young man was quick to pick up on the fact that he shouldn't come too close to the throne unless summoned. Ainz had to learn quite a few of the nuances of royal courts mostly through spying on the empire. With David patiently waiting off to the side, Ainz made his announcement.
"Albedo, David has provided us with a treasure trove of invaluable information, and his musical talents will be quite useful to us in the near future. Furthermore he has pledged himself to our cause, and shall be living here in Nazarick as a trusted ally. Henceforth he shall be known as David, the bard of Nazarick!"
"As you wish my lord, it shall be done. I will instruct everyone who is not present that David is now a trusted member of Nazarick." Albedo kneeled to Ainz with the others following suit, including David who wasn't exactly sure if he was supposed to stand or not. That poor guy was probably going to really struggle fitting in, but maybe after the first few days he'd adapt? Ainz was glad he at least had someone he didn't have to be a supreme overlord with in private! Which reminded him... It pretty much was David's only request, so he could at least try...
"And Albedo? ... Try to schedule in some time later for the two of us to have a... date." He was facepalming at the sheer awkwardness of his delivery, but Albedo looked like she was going to explode with joy.
"OF COURSE MY LORD! If you like I could put something together for us right now! We don't have to wait if you'd like to spend time with me, that takes precedence over anything else! If you want to just skip the date and take me to your bed chambers, that's fine too! Is there anything you'd like me to wear for our date? I could make something new if-" Albedo's wings were flapping wildly, and she looked like she was going to be hyperventilating in a matter of moments, which made Ainz wave his arms wildly.
"Calm down Albedo! Like I said, later! We need to see David is settled in, there's some preparations to be made for the coming war against the Slane Theocracy, and you have your own duties that I'd like to see done first!" Albedo pouted trying her best to look utterly adorable, which even affected Ainz undead heart, and then David spoke up.
"If I may interject? I believe Lord Ainz may also be trying to set the mood with anticipation. Your date will be all the more meaningful if you have to wait a little while for it, and this way there will be more time to plan something special." This seemed to perk Albedo back up, and Ainz was starting to gain another level of appreciation for David. Like Demiurge and Albedo, he seemed to have a knack for interpreting his actions to others to be more meaningful than they really were. Truth was he had no idea what he was doing when it came to women, so he was glad David at least seemed to... or maybe that was just specific to Albedo? He'd definitely have to have Demiurge discreetly keep an eye on him, just in case.
"It is as David says. So please be patient Albedo."
"Of course my lord! The fact that you would go to such lengths just for me?! AHH! It fills my heart with such joy!"
---
David sighed as he was escorted out of the throne room by Sebas for his tour of the lower floors. He felt bad because there were a few secrets he was still keeping even from Ainz. He hadn't told Ainz how the poor Emperor of Baharuth really felt about him, or how Lupusregina Beta had been hoping Carne Village would burn. Some of those things he suspected Ainz already might know about, and bringing them up would just make things worse. But perhaps the most controversial thing of all? He had not told Ainz the true identity of the sheep Demiurge had on his farm.
There were a number of reasons for this, like he did not want to create a splinter between Ainz and his most trusted advisor, and he didn't want to get on Demiurge's bad side. The most important reason of all was that he wanted to give Demiurge a chance before telling Ainz. Ainz didn't mind using criminals or captured enemies for any number of purposes, but the people Demiurge had originally kidnapped were innocent citizens of the holy kingdom. He wasn't just skinning them for spell parchment, he was feeding them to one another, and letting them get raped by monsters to try to experiment with breeding humans and other species.
If he told Ainz the full truth, he wasn't sure if he'd be entirely believed, and he wasn't sure what sort of punishments might await Demiurge. Despite Demiurge's sheer evil and cruelty for those outside of Nazarick, it was simply how he was made to be, and David had an almost grudging respect for that sort of evil creativity. So he wanted to give Demiurge the chance to clean up his 'farms' before he told Ainz about them. Perhaps there was also a guilty part of David that was morbidly curious to see with his own eyes if it really was as bad as all that.
David was a masochistic man, so he had kinks that actually lined up with some of the more sadistic tendencies of those in Nazarick. Perhaps a part of him had wanted to see Demiurge's farms before they were shut down, so he could imagine what it was like to be trapped there. He shuddered at the very thought as he walked down the hall, and Sebas turned to him astutely.
"Are you alright young David?" He was certainly the kindest of the fighters in Nazarick as far as David was concerned, and he couldn't help but smile at the old butler.
"Yes, thank you Sebas. You know, the way you referred to me just now reminds me... have you had a chance to meet with Climb yet?"
"Ah, you're familiar with young Climb too are you? Yes, I had the opportunity to meet him in the Re-estize capital, but have not had the chance to speak with him since he and Renner joined Nazarick. He's still recovering from his resurrection, and subsequent transformation into a demon like Renner." David was surprised to hear that, because he thought the fall of Re-Estize wasn't quite that recent, but perhaps Renner was keeping him locked up in her room? Well there'd be time to talk with him about it later if he did get those reading and writing lessons from Renner.
"Sebas... Did you hear what had happened to Brain?" David wasn't sure if he should bring it up since Sebas had befriended the swordsman along with Climb, but Sebas surprised him by his solemn nod.
"Cocytus had informed me of how he faced an honorable human warrior by the name of Brain Unglaus in the capital, and had wanted to know more about him. War brings with it many such tragedies, where former friends become enemies. I had suspected something like this might happen when master Ainz declared his intentions, and that was why I wanted him to listen to Nigredo and Pestonya's concerns. In his mercy, he agreed to let many more humans live than he originally planned, but Brain was not willing to let Ghazef's death go so lightly. I suspect there was no way to avoid the confrontation that ended his life." It took David a moment to remember Albedo's sister and the dog headed maid to understand the full context. There was quite a bit of wisdom in what Sebas had just said, but hearing it still made his heart ache.
"But... couldn't we still resurrect him? He was your friend! And Climb's too! You even said that one day you'd repay the kindness he showed you!" Much to David's surprise, Sebas patted his head in an almost fatherly way.
"And I did just that David. Who do you think suggested Princess Renner to Demiurge? Why do you think Renner hired Brain? I had hoped that with his connection to Renner, he could eventually come to join Nazarick in the end, but it simply wasn't meant to be. As for resurrection? Do you think he'd really accept after everything that's happened? The spirit must be willing to return to the world of the living, even with the most potent magic." David's shoulders slumped, because it just felt like such a tragic waste.
"Well... he might if you and Climb asked him to?" That made Sebas pause, to stroke his beard in thought.
"Yes, I suppose he might if the two of us were by his side, and urging him to return to us. However I do not know if he would be willing to join Nazarick the way Climb was. Climb's absolute loyalty is to Renner, while Brain was a very troubled man who had to reevaluate his life. He was a man ready to die the night we parted, and I'm uncertain if he could bring himself to join the man that slew the man he respected most." David once again deflated at Sebas' solid arguments, and seeing this Sebas gave him another reassuring pat on the head. "But it's still something to consider. Cocytus preserved Brain's body in ice, so it should still be possible. Perhaps with young Climb's help, we might be able to convince Brain after all."
David felt a wave of warmth wash over him at Sebas' words, and he even surprised the old butler by giving him a hug. "Thanks Sebas!"
Sebas seemed rather baffled by the sudden show of affection, since he didn't really know David that well, but his master had instructed him to treat him like a trusted ally, so he just continued to pat the teenager's head. "I could see that Brain's fate, and the friendship we had shared, and subsequently lost was bothering you, so I'm glad to see my words have reassured you in some way. From everything I have seen of you David, you're an exceptionally compassionate young man, so I believe you will be a rather positive influence in Nazarick."
David blushed, withdrawing from his impulsive hug and flailing his arms a little. "Oh no, no! I'm not that compassionate! I just-"
"David. I know you were the one to make the master agree to date Albedo." Sebas had cut David off with insight that managed to baffle David.
"How did-"
"It was rather obvious David. The only thing that changed between today and yesterday between our master and Albedo is your arrival here. Albedo has been trying to suppress her feelings for years, and the Master has been lonely for even longer without the other supreme beings. I believe that the two of them pursuing this relationship will be a good thing for everyone, and I believe it takes a very compassionate person to care enough to try to give them the push that you did. If you combine that with your song being something that could touch the hearts and minds of all of Nazarick, and your concern for Climb and Brain? I can only conclude that you're a very compassionate young man." David had no way to refute Sebas' words no matter how embarrassing they were, so he just stood there dumbfounded.
"Now I believe you mentioned to Master Ainz that you were hungry? It is lunch hour for many of the maids in Nazarick, so if you go through those doors you should be able to help yourself to whatever you like. However, if you would prefer to dine with me and Tsuare? I wouldn't mind." David was once again dumbfounded, and also just a bit honored. It probably was a rare opportunity to spend time with the head butler but...
"I'm really honored Sebas! I'd love to join you two but... I also have really wanted to try out the different foods here, and meet more of Nazarick's residents. May I ask for a rain check on that invitation?" Much to David's relief, Sebas smiled and nodded.
"Of course young David. The offer remains open. Simply ask any member of Nazarick where to find me if you wish to dine with us on another day at this time." David instinctively checked his wrist, but forgot he no longer had a watch.
"Heh... I'll certainly need to find a way to keep track of time with all your busy schedules. Thank you again Sebas!"
"Oh I'm from the United States, I was the manager of a fast food restaurant before coming here because of how messed up our society can be." Ainz just stared at him blankly which seemed par for the course for an undead entity to a certain degree, but Ainz had no idea what he was talking about. The United States? Didn't that country fall apart over a century ago? He probably wouldn't make up something that stupid if he was trying to simply bluff him, so what was going on?
"The... United States? Of America?" He had to confirm that's what he meant, because perhaps he was referring to one of those small democratic republics that popped up now and then, but David nodded confirming Ainz's question. David then seemed to realize that Ainz didn't seem to believe everything he was saying, so he cleared his throat trying to explain.
"Well... for starters I feel like I should tell you that my Earth might be... quite a bit different than your own? As I understand it you're from the year 2208 or something?" This statement of David's baffled Ainz, because he had assumed anyone from Earth would be from his Earth! How could the guy have gotten the year wrong by nearly a hundred years?! Did he really come from over a century ago?! How the hell would he know about Nazarick like that?! What the hell was going on?!
"2138 actually... am I to understand that you're from some time before 2020?" That was the time of the fall of the United States if he remembered his history lessons correctly. Something about a civil war that broke out during some sort of pandemic? He suddenly wished he'd learned his history lessons just a little bit better.
"2022 actually." Now Ainz was... utterly baffled, and he felt the need to sit down on his bed before all these revelations made him just reel from shock. Thankfully his emotion suppressor was able to kick in again, and that allowed him to start thinking things through a bit more clearly.
"Hmm... I have a theory, but in order to confirm it, could you tell me everything you know about Nazarick? And this world?" So David explained the full extent of the Overlord anime as he remembered it, even explaining that in his world that he learned all of this from an anime called Overlord. He talked about Ainz's days as Momonga, Hero Hero's goodbye and the final moments of the Yggdrasil server, his rescue of Carne Village to repay his debt to Touch me, he even explained the details Ainz didn't know about, like Clementine's former involvement with the Slane Theocracy's black scripture, Shalltear confronting the black scripture and their use of the world item Downfall of Castle and Country, and how Shalltear had managed to kill the one who used the world item on her before she could be given any orders.
"Hold on a moment, are you telling me that all this time it was that damned theocracy that had mind controlled Shalltear!?" David's face blanched as he saw Ainz's anger swell to a peak he had yet to witness in person. Again the emotion inhibitor kicked in and Ainz shook his head. "Forgive me, we've been searching for years and I think I've left the theocracy to its own devices too long. Make no mistake, if this is true Nazarick will be preparing for war. But please, continue."
As David did continue, Ainz was left still rather... baffled by everything he was hearing. His life here had been turned into an anime in David's world? It did sort of confirm a very far fetched theory he once heard from Tabula, but Tabula was pretty well known for his love of the occult and rather bizarre concepts. Every detail David shared that Ainz was aware of, was completely accurate, even small little comments he hadn't even remembered, that came rushing back to him with certain amounts of cringing embarrassment, like moments such as using Shalltear as a chair. He had no idea that this anime would focus so heavily on the lives of his enemies like the daily life of the lizardmen, the workers who'd invaded Nazarick, the daily life of the Blue Rose adventurers, even some of the hero worship of Albedo and Demiurge when he wasn't there to hear what they were thinking of 'his' plans. It was a lot to digest, and Ainz urged David to keep going, saving the rest of his questions until he finished going over the events of this anime.
"I was going to be a bit more skeptical about whether the information about my enemies was actually correct, since our versions of Earth seem to differ so greatly, but every bit of information you've shared that I do know about has been on point. There are certainly gaps in your knowledge, but that's likely because they'd have been deemed as not very interesting. Now to explain the theory I had... it has to do with the nature of parallel universes. Tabula and I once discussed this, and he was the one to suggest the theory that if there is an infinite number of possibilities, it is possible that every story that was ever told is its own parallel universe, and that those who tell those stories are actually channeling the parallel universe rather than having imagined it on their own. That could explain why your anime has described the events that transpired here so accurately." David himself seemed a bit skeptical about that theory, but he didn't really seem to have any better theories to offer. He was here after all.
"I had rather hoped you might have been able to tell me if one of my friends was in this world, but it seems like that might still be a far-fetched hope on my part. Judging from what you've told me about the Slane Theocracy and the Platinum dragon lord, the players that came here from Yggdrasil in the past were from centuries ago as I had suspected. The fact that you know about my origins and as much as you do know about my old friends means that you have quite a lot of sensitive information in your head that I would not like to have leave this room. I could kill you, or erase your memories to ensure this, but you have done me an immense favor by sharing this information with me, and I do not like to repay kindness with cruelty." David had paled considerably when Ainz had casually suggested that he could kill him, but seemed to relax again when Ainz mentioned that he didn't want to do that.
"Since I don't want to kill you, let me see if I can bribe you. As you are well aware, I have an entire kingdom that I manage so I'd like to hear what you would wish for most from me if I were to offer you anything your heart desired." Ainz watched David carefully, judging just how greedy his new acquaintance might decide to be if given free reign to do so. He never promised he'd give him anything his heart desired, he simply implied that he would give it to him as a way of saying thank you and to shut him up. If he were going to ask to be made the second in command and be allowed to do anything he wished with Nazarick, Ainz very well might decide he simply wasn't worth the trouble and erase his memories of Nazarick. It would be a pity to waste such potential, but he did not want to deal with an over-ambitious or greedy fool. He had promised David's safety back in the throne room, and David was still from Earth, so he definitely didn't want to kill him even if he might suggest it. There was no way in the world Ainz expected to hear the words that came out of David's mouth.
"Well for starters, I'd like you to start up a romantic relationship with Albedo."
"..."
Ainz jaw just dropped, the shock causing his emotion suppressor to kick in again and he eventually rubbed his skeletal hand against his head with a pained expression. He really had over-estimated this guy's ambition! Seriously?! The first thing he asked for when he was offered anything was that?! Did he know that Ainz was testing him? Or... "Did she... put you up to this as some sort of condition for your survival? Because I can promise you, I won't let her hold you to that!"
David shook his head with a grin at the Overlord's flustered look. "No, I just think that it's the right thing for you to do. You altered her so that she is in love with you, so I feel it is only appropriate that you take responsibility for that. She's incapable of not having feelings for you, so the only thing you're doing by not letting her pursue those feelings is leaving both of you unsatisfied. You obviously liked her enough to make the silly change in the first place, even if you thought it was just something for fun before the servers shut down. Why run away from those feelings she has?"
Ainz facepalmed, feeling as though he was the one being grilled here, when he had originally intended to gauge David's intentions and motivations! "The fact that I was the one that put those feelings inside of her just makes it worse, doesn't it? I was being a fool with impulsive desires, and I overwrote Tabula's carefully constructed characterization!"
"I don't know if that was a very carefully constructed bit of characterization you decided to overwrite, and then you should also think about the other members of Nazarick and how they feel about you. Do you really think that it's impossible Albedo wouldn't have feelings for you even if you hadn't written them in there yourself? Her feelings are just that much stronger because of what you did, and she would likely be a lot friendlier to everyone around her with you as her romantic partner. Also I think that if Tabula knew you were thrown into another world all by yourself, without any of your family or friends from Ainz Ooal Gown, he probably wouldn't mind if you fell in love with and found happiness in his creation. He might even be flattered!" Ainz let out a groan, burying his face in his bed sheets since he knew that he could act this way in front of David without losing face with him.
"David, the fact that I made her be in love with me... and then to act on that by... it would be almost akin to rape!" Ainz wasn't looking very ruler like from his position with his face down in the bedsheets, but he supposed this was the first time in forever he had been able to relax and be his true self.
David just shook his head with a disapproving look that Ainz couldn't see. "Hardly. You hadn't changed her settings knowing this would happen, and if anything she's the one who's tried to rape you once isn't she?" Ainz groaned because a lot of what David was saying made sense, but this was an issue he still wanted to run away from!
"I believe I may have forgotten to mention this with all the other things I've mentioned, but Albedo can't even ride her Bicorn because she is a virgin. Her feelings for you make her incapable of betraying you by sleeping with someone else, so she is actually weakened by the alteration you've made to her until you act upon it. She's too ashamed to bring this information to you herself, because she didn't want you to do it just out of pity. Think about it, the poor girl is a succubus who is incapable of doing what a succubus is supposed to do!" This time Ainz did stop to consider David's words much more carefully, because strengthening Nazarick was one of his top priorities.
"I suppose that everything you've said does make some sense, but it still feels like I'd be crossing a line that I shouldn't. Also in case you haven't noticed, I'm undead. How exactly do you expect me to have sex with her so that she's not a virgin?" David simply shrugged, which caused Ainz to facepalm again at how stupid he felt this conversation was.
"Why not let her worry about that? She and Demiurge are quite clever, and he's been doing all sorts of research into that very concept. Why not ask them if they have any solutions that won't cause you any permanent harm or alterations? Also I don't think Albedo minds very much about the state of your body if the time she almost raped you is any indication." Ainz felt like his emotional suppression was working in overtime with the amount of embarrassment this conversation kept piling on him.
"Alright already, enough! Give me some time to think about it. Surely that can't be your only wish, right?" If it was, he really had to wonder what kind of crazy anime fan this guy was! Was he one of those crazy shut in Otakus? Why else would he be so obsessed with the relationship of two people he thought were fictional before today?
"Well I'd love to be able to play that Lyre of yours some more, but you'll probably need me to be in a safe environment to do that right? That's not really on the top of my list, but it kind of pertains to part of what I'd love to do I think. Really when I was on Earth my dream was to be a rock star, but as you might be familiar with, that's not a very easy profession to get your talents recognized. Now that I'm here and I'm talking with the ruler of probably the most powerful nation in the world, my dream hasn't really changed very much, it's just that I can more likely make it come true. I'd love to be able to just perform my music for you guys, and maybe live here in Nazarick if you don't mind lending me a room. I promise I'll try to work hard for you, if you're worried I'll just be some sort of free loader!" Ainz never ceased to be amazed by this guy. Rock stars were sort of a relic of a bygone age in his world, but if he was being honest? David's 'dream' worked out perfectly for his own plans! He had been this close to keeping him locked up in Nazarick no matter what he said, and David just saved him the trouble of looking like the bad guy by asking to stay! Okay, play it cool Ainz.
"An intriguing proposal. And what would you expect your daily life to be like in Nazarick? Many of those that work and live here don't have much of a concept of time off. You're only human, so I would not want to force you to follow such a rigid lifestyle." This time David seemed to stroke his chin in thought, as if he hadn't entirely considered that far ahead.
"Well I imagine that I'd likely be put to work trying to help you manage some of the administrative duties that comes with running your kingdom. You're low on trusted personnel who can handle all the paperwork that is likely to be piling up, and if I'm going to be asking you to pursue a romantic relationship with Albedo that will mean she'll have less time to work on all her administrative duties. When I'm not working on paperwork, I suppose I'll have time to try to work on my music, and then besides that I might have free time to explore the various facilities on these floors like the spa. Maybe I could even befriend some of the NPCs here, or even start to train myself to become stronger so that I can help Nazarick on the front lines when the time comes for that war. I don't know how much good my music can do in combat, but I suspect that Lyre isn't just for the sake of flashy musical numbers. I think I remember you starting up a training facility in E-rantel, so maybe I could visit that, or perhaps you could set up something similar in the upper floors of Nazarick if you're worried about my well being? Personally I'd be a bit worried that any training your subordinates would try to give me might be too much for me to handle, but maybe the lizardmen could help train me in combat?" If Ainz had thought David hadn't thought far enough ahead, he apparently was sorely mistaken, because David was thinking pretty far ahead! He was already thinking of things Ainz himself had been debating, since the guy seemed like he'd probably die the minute someone stabbed him. He was such a twig of a person, he kind of wondered if he even bothered to eat regularly.
"You do realize that in order to do paperwork you would need to be able to read and write the writings of this world, right?" David slumped in his chair slightly, that thought having apparently slipped his mind.
"Perhaps we can impose on princess Renner to teach you, so that you can be of some assistance. I believe that might be a worthwhile investment, even if it means that we'll be eating up some of her time to help us with administrative paperwork. As for your combat training? I think it might be beneficial for you to consider discarding your humanity to become a different race from Yggdrasil. You may feel free to take your time to consider it, and I will leave you with some options to choose from, but your human body is quite limited. It looks like you didn't take very good care of your physical fitness, so your singing voice and your mind are some of the only things that body of yours has going for it. Both of which you'd retain if you were to change your species to one from Yggdrasil, as you've seen with princess Renner." David seemed rather excited by the prospect of changing species, which took Ainz a little by surprise, but perhaps David realized his own physical shortcomings and wanted to take a shortcut? He'd find out it wasn't so much a shortcut as just changing his physiology so that it would be possible to get stronger through training than his frail human body could.
"Could I be a doppelganger?! Then I could transform into anyone right?" Oh... was that why he was excited? Was this some sort of long lived fantasy of his? To be able to transform into others? Well it certainly wasn't something that could happen on Earth, so he could understand the appeal...
"That... might be possible. Doppelgangers tend to have certain weaknesses to balance out their transformation capacity, but I suppose as a bard you'd already have certain weaknesses anyways. Just bear in mind that if you do learn to transform into other forms, you won't have the same strength of the being you transformed into. I might be able to have Pandora's actor educate you on the ins and outs of being a doppelganger if you have your heart set on it. Narberal isn't exactly a good example of your typical doppelganger, so I doubt you'd have much luck learning anything from her. For the time being I think it will be best for you to learn the ins and outs of living in Nazarick, so I will ask Albedo who she'd like to have give you a tour. You've given me much to think about, so I will be busy for a while." David nodded, standing up as he sensed from Ainz's words that he was finished talking with him. Their conversation had been rather long, since David had to explain everything he knew about the Overlord Anime, and he was starting to get a bit hungry.
"Thank you Ainz, and please don't forget to think about Albedo. I know you find it embarrassing, but she is your second in command, and her happiness greatly effects how productive your entire kingdom will be." Ainz simply sighed as he lead David back to the throne room, where everyone was still waiting for them. Nazarick was still on high alert, and the throne room was where the Pleiades, Sebas, and Albedo were often assigned for a siege against Nazarick. It seemed he was going to have to face the consequences of Albedo's infatuation much sooner than he'd hoped with David pestering him to make a move, and just looking at Albedo now made him feel nervous. She was so gorgeous! He'd been playing the part of a supreme overlord for a while, but that didn't mean he was any good with women! Aw man... why couldn't David have just been someone who didn't care about his love life?
Lord Ainz? The message spell rang in his head, and he instinctively put a hand to his head to receive it, signaling David to wait for him with his other hand.
Shalltear? Were you able to find anything?
No milord. I've been exceptionally thorough, but there's not a trace. Whatever brought this human to Nazarick either didn't use magic that can be detected, or they covered their tracks so carefully that it's impossible to trace. Ainz inwardly sighed at Shalltear's words, disappointed but not surprised.
It seems that is one mystery we have yet to resolve. On another note, this human has been able to provide as with a plethora of valuable information, one piece that I think you may find quite interesting. It seems that you managed to slay the one that took over your mind before she could give you orders.
She!? You mean we know their identity now!? Shalltear's voice sounded almost beside itself with emotion.
Indeed, it was a woman from a sect of the Slane theocracy. Not only that, but it seems you were able to ascertain the fact that you were about to come under her control, and fought against it long enough to slay her. Shalltear, I know that you felt you had failed Nazarick when you learned of this mind control you'd fallen under, but I want you to know I am immensely proud of you. You not only fought someone who used a world class item on you, you arguably won against them too! If we had known the full details of all that had transpired, I would have likely rewarded your efforts rather than punished you. Shalltear, I cannot change what has already been done, but I want you to know I'm sorry, and that I always believed in you.
There was silence from Shalltear's end for a moment or two, and then it was evident it was because she'd been crying. Oh Lord Ainz! My beloved lord Ainz! You're much too good to me! I am hardly worthy of such praise from you, but thank you so much! Thank this human for me too! I swear to you that when the time comes, I will wreak terrible vengeance upon the theocracy!
Hearing Shalltear's response made Ainz smile, glad to hear Shalltear being able to look at that troubling event positively now. The other guardians and she herself had been quite hard on her for turning against them, but he'd known all along the fault was not hers. He only agreed to punishing her to give her some means of closure, but now he felt he could give her genuine closure in the knowledge that she fought valiantly for Nazarick. She would definitely be able to fulfill that vow she made, because Ainz was going to do far worse to the theocracy than he'd done to Re-Estize!
Why don't you come thank him yourself? He will be staying with us in Nazarick full time as a new member. I'm telling you first, that I'd like everyone to treat him as a treasured and trusted companion. He is quite weak, so please be sure to be very gentle with him.
Of course milord! I will treat him with the utmost courtesy if that is your wish, and spread the word.
Satisfied with the results of that conversation, he made his way back to the throne with David following him, up until Ainz was within a few feet of the throne. The young man was quick to pick up on the fact that he shouldn't come too close to the throne unless summoned. Ainz had to learn quite a few of the nuances of royal courts mostly through spying on the empire. With David patiently waiting off to the side, Ainz made his announcement.
"Albedo, David has provided us with a treasure trove of invaluable information, and his musical talents will be quite useful to us in the near future. Furthermore he has pledged himself to our cause, and shall be living here in Nazarick as a trusted ally. Henceforth he shall be known as David, the bard of Nazarick!"
"As you wish my lord, it shall be done. I will instruct everyone who is not present that David is now a trusted member of Nazarick." Albedo kneeled to Ainz with the others following suit, including David who wasn't exactly sure if he was supposed to stand or not. That poor guy was probably going to really struggle fitting in, but maybe after the first few days he'd adapt? Ainz was glad he at least had someone he didn't have to be a supreme overlord with in private! Which reminded him... It pretty much was David's only request, so he could at least try...
"And Albedo? ... Try to schedule in some time later for the two of us to have a... date." He was facepalming at the sheer awkwardness of his delivery, but Albedo looked like she was going to explode with joy.
"OF COURSE MY LORD! If you like I could put something together for us right now! We don't have to wait if you'd like to spend time with me, that takes precedence over anything else! If you want to just skip the date and take me to your bed chambers, that's fine too! Is there anything you'd like me to wear for our date? I could make something new if-" Albedo's wings were flapping wildly, and she looked like she was going to be hyperventilating in a matter of moments, which made Ainz wave his arms wildly.
"Calm down Albedo! Like I said, later! We need to see David is settled in, there's some preparations to be made for the coming war against the Slane Theocracy, and you have your own duties that I'd like to see done first!" Albedo pouted trying her best to look utterly adorable, which even affected Ainz undead heart, and then David spoke up.
"If I may interject? I believe Lord Ainz may also be trying to set the mood with anticipation. Your date will be all the more meaningful if you have to wait a little while for it, and this way there will be more time to plan something special." This seemed to perk Albedo back up, and Ainz was starting to gain another level of appreciation for David. Like Demiurge and Albedo, he seemed to have a knack for interpreting his actions to others to be more meaningful than they really were. Truth was he had no idea what he was doing when it came to women, so he was glad David at least seemed to... or maybe that was just specific to Albedo? He'd definitely have to have Demiurge discreetly keep an eye on him, just in case.
"It is as David says. So please be patient Albedo."
"Of course my lord! The fact that you would go to such lengths just for me?! AHH! It fills my heart with such joy!"
---
David sighed as he was escorted out of the throne room by Sebas for his tour of the lower floors. He felt bad because there were a few secrets he was still keeping even from Ainz. He hadn't told Ainz how the poor Emperor of Baharuth really felt about him, or how Lupusregina Beta had been hoping Carne Village would burn. Some of those things he suspected Ainz already might know about, and bringing them up would just make things worse. But perhaps the most controversial thing of all? He had not told Ainz the true identity of the sheep Demiurge had on his farm.
There were a number of reasons for this, like he did not want to create a splinter between Ainz and his most trusted advisor, and he didn't want to get on Demiurge's bad side. The most important reason of all was that he wanted to give Demiurge a chance before telling Ainz. Ainz didn't mind using criminals or captured enemies for any number of purposes, but the people Demiurge had originally kidnapped were innocent citizens of the holy kingdom. He wasn't just skinning them for spell parchment, he was feeding them to one another, and letting them get raped by monsters to try to experiment with breeding humans and other species.
If he told Ainz the full truth, he wasn't sure if he'd be entirely believed, and he wasn't sure what sort of punishments might await Demiurge. Despite Demiurge's sheer evil and cruelty for those outside of Nazarick, it was simply how he was made to be, and David had an almost grudging respect for that sort of evil creativity. So he wanted to give Demiurge the chance to clean up his 'farms' before he told Ainz about them. Perhaps there was also a guilty part of David that was morbidly curious to see with his own eyes if it really was as bad as all that.
David was a masochistic man, so he had kinks that actually lined up with some of the more sadistic tendencies of those in Nazarick. Perhaps a part of him had wanted to see Demiurge's farms before they were shut down, so he could imagine what it was like to be trapped there. He shuddered at the very thought as he walked down the hall, and Sebas turned to him astutely.
"Are you alright young David?" He was certainly the kindest of the fighters in Nazarick as far as David was concerned, and he couldn't help but smile at the old butler.
"Yes, thank you Sebas. You know, the way you referred to me just now reminds me... have you had a chance to meet with Climb yet?"
"Ah, you're familiar with young Climb too are you? Yes, I had the opportunity to meet him in the Re-estize capital, but have not had the chance to speak with him since he and Renner joined Nazarick. He's still recovering from his resurrection, and subsequent transformation into a demon like Renner." David was surprised to hear that, because he thought the fall of Re-Estize wasn't quite that recent, but perhaps Renner was keeping him locked up in her room? Well there'd be time to talk with him about it later if he did get those reading and writing lessons from Renner.
"Sebas... Did you hear what had happened to Brain?" David wasn't sure if he should bring it up since Sebas had befriended the swordsman along with Climb, but Sebas surprised him by his solemn nod.
"Cocytus had informed me of how he faced an honorable human warrior by the name of Brain Unglaus in the capital, and had wanted to know more about him. War brings with it many such tragedies, where former friends become enemies. I had suspected something like this might happen when master Ainz declared his intentions, and that was why I wanted him to listen to Nigredo and Pestonya's concerns. In his mercy, he agreed to let many more humans live than he originally planned, but Brain was not willing to let Ghazef's death go so lightly. I suspect there was no way to avoid the confrontation that ended his life." It took David a moment to remember Albedo's sister and the dog headed maid to understand the full context. There was quite a bit of wisdom in what Sebas had just said, but hearing it still made his heart ache.
"But... couldn't we still resurrect him? He was your friend! And Climb's too! You even said that one day you'd repay the kindness he showed you!" Much to David's surprise, Sebas patted his head in an almost fatherly way.
"And I did just that David. Who do you think suggested Princess Renner to Demiurge? Why do you think Renner hired Brain? I had hoped that with his connection to Renner, he could eventually come to join Nazarick in the end, but it simply wasn't meant to be. As for resurrection? Do you think he'd really accept after everything that's happened? The spirit must be willing to return to the world of the living, even with the most potent magic." David's shoulders slumped, because it just felt like such a tragic waste.
"Well... he might if you and Climb asked him to?" That made Sebas pause, to stroke his beard in thought.
"Yes, I suppose he might if the two of us were by his side, and urging him to return to us. However I do not know if he would be willing to join Nazarick the way Climb was. Climb's absolute loyalty is to Renner, while Brain was a very troubled man who had to reevaluate his life. He was a man ready to die the night we parted, and I'm uncertain if he could bring himself to join the man that slew the man he respected most." David once again deflated at Sebas' solid arguments, and seeing this Sebas gave him another reassuring pat on the head. "But it's still something to consider. Cocytus preserved Brain's body in ice, so it should still be possible. Perhaps with young Climb's help, we might be able to convince Brain after all."
David felt a wave of warmth wash over him at Sebas' words, and he even surprised the old butler by giving him a hug. "Thanks Sebas!"
Sebas seemed rather baffled by the sudden show of affection, since he didn't really know David that well, but his master had instructed him to treat him like a trusted ally, so he just continued to pat the teenager's head. "I could see that Brain's fate, and the friendship we had shared, and subsequently lost was bothering you, so I'm glad to see my words have reassured you in some way. From everything I have seen of you David, you're an exceptionally compassionate young man, so I believe you will be a rather positive influence in Nazarick."
David blushed, withdrawing from his impulsive hug and flailing his arms a little. "Oh no, no! I'm not that compassionate! I just-"
"David. I know you were the one to make the master agree to date Albedo." Sebas had cut David off with insight that managed to baffle David.
"How did-"
"It was rather obvious David. The only thing that changed between today and yesterday between our master and Albedo is your arrival here. Albedo has been trying to suppress her feelings for years, and the Master has been lonely for even longer without the other supreme beings. I believe that the two of them pursuing this relationship will be a good thing for everyone, and I believe it takes a very compassionate person to care enough to try to give them the push that you did. If you combine that with your song being something that could touch the hearts and minds of all of Nazarick, and your concern for Climb and Brain? I can only conclude that you're a very compassionate young man." David had no way to refute Sebas' words no matter how embarrassing they were, so he just stood there dumbfounded.
"Now I believe you mentioned to Master Ainz that you were hungry? It is lunch hour for many of the maids in Nazarick, so if you go through those doors you should be able to help yourself to whatever you like. However, if you would prefer to dine with me and Tsuare? I wouldn't mind." David was once again dumbfounded, and also just a bit honored. It probably was a rare opportunity to spend time with the head butler but...
"I'm really honored Sebas! I'd love to join you two but... I also have really wanted to try out the different foods here, and meet more of Nazarick's residents. May I ask for a rain check on that invitation?" Much to David's relief, Sebas smiled and nodded.
"Of course young David. The offer remains open. Simply ask any member of Nazarick where to find me if you wish to dine with us on another day at this time." David instinctively checked his wrist, but forgot he no longer had a watch.
"Heh... I'll certainly need to find a way to keep track of time with all your busy schedules. Thank you again Sebas!"