Days had passed since their quiet exchange.
Elijah had spent most of that time wandering the endless halls of Nazarick. The tomb was a monument of design—perfect, intricate, and suffocating. Even Mimic, ever close, moved slower these days. As if sensing his conflict.
He found himself perched in a high corridor overlooking the guardian levels. Below, Albedo issued commands with divine poise. Cocytus trained death with discipline. Shalltear vanished and reappeared in a blur of blood and lace.
And Elijah just watched.
"Trying to make sense of them?"
He didn't flinch.
Delta stepped into view beside him, arms at her side, voice emotionless as ever.
"I thought you left."
"I did." She paused. "I returned."
Elijah looked back at the guardians. "They're fascinating."
Delta's optics whirred faintly as she tracked his gaze. "You're a player. Not one of us. You do not have to understand them."
"That's exactly why I do."
She tilted her head. "Why?"
"Because they'd follow Ainz into fire. And I'm not sure if that's loyalty… or programming."
Silence followed.
"I knew the man who made Sebas," he added, more to himself. "Touch Me… he stood for something. I think Sebas still does."
"You wish to speak with him."
Elijah didn't answer.
Delta looked ahead. "He resides in the upper eastern wing. Would you like an escort?"
He glanced at her sideways. "Is that a Guardian privilege, or a personal offer?"
Delta's tone didn't change. But the edge of her mouth moved—just slightly. "Both."
As they walked, Mimic's cloak-edges drifted against Delta once or twice. Not enough to provoke. Just enough to test.
"She's curious," Elijah murmured.
Delta said nothing. Then: "She is cautious. Protective. Like her creator."
They walked in silence for several more minutes.
When they reached the final hallway, a large double door loomed ahead—polished, reserved, but undeniably watched.
Delta stopped. "This is his domain."
Elijah gave her a long look. "Thank you."
She didn't nod. She didn't need to.
"I will remain nearby," she said, and turned without a sound, fading back into the darkness.
He stood there a while longer. Then lifted a hand to knock.