un: ozymandias

[fulgency]

Name: Ozymandias
Date: 04/01
Format: video

[No, you're not hallucinating! Ozymandias is actually using the network again.]

[Unlike the first time, there's really no chaos to be found here. He's seated at his desk, his sphinx cub, still roughly the size of a very large housecat, occupies the back of his chair with a smaller cub on the desk itself. It ducks in and out of frame with half-purrs as Ozymandias pets it and it lives its best life.]

I will keep this brief and to the point. [If anyone is feeling skeptical about this, they're probably correct to. When has he ever been to the point?] It is my intention to open a cafe by the end of this month. Thus, I am in need of individuals capable of working in such an environment with the necessary skills to prepare and serve food and beverage to customers.

But I am also looking for those who are capable of handling my sphinxes. One of the key features of this cafe will be the opportunity to play with and spend time with sphinx awlad like these two, and I need people who can ensure that they eat well and are cared for throughout the day.

[And honestly, in addition to making sure nobody's getting too many treats that will spoil their appetite for dinner, low-key make sure they're all accounted for and nobody tries to smuggle one out. But he'll leave that as a private conversation. It's not exactly good business practices to accuse your potential customer base of potential theft. Even if it's very understandable.]

Of course, if there are those who believe themselves capable of working in both environments, I'm certainly not opposed to it.

Those interested or have questions may contact me directly either through the Watches or in-person.

Comments

[video] un: 👑 king gilgamesh (we finally settled on the un. simplicity and all...)

[gilgamess]

I cannot assist with menial labor. You recognize that doing so would tarnish my station. Though I could perhaps volunteer Hakuno. She is indefatigable in the day to day servicing of others' needs and in all manner of errands.

[ though she is getting a kitten of her own, so her days might be a little tied up.

but he might volunteer her anyway. that would be a very Gil thing to do. ]

A Master who epitomizes the striving of the common man -- such a person offers the assistance a King most certainly requires.

[ though that is not actually the reason he is replying this time.

looking at the screen, his eyes narrow meaningfully on that sphinx awlad. ]

Though, to allow felines into a dining establishment? Ahaha, Sun King, what a novel idea you have. If it is the dining establishment of a King, then surely there must be a reclining room where beauties may place fruits on my tongue as I speak of my journeys. I shall be most pleased to let that beast curl on my chest and rest as I take my pleasure.

There is no cat or creature in the mould of a cat who can resist my appeal.

[fulgency]

[The sphinxes at this point have taken no notice of Gilgamesh despite how he watches them. But Gilgamesh should not take it personally or see it as them trying to disprove his claims of being essentially a cat whisperer. What are screens to a divine beast? There are scritches happening right now, too, so there's even less interest to investigate the Watch.]

[And hey, Ozymandias offers Gilgamesh his attention. At this point, he's an expert at multitasking between petting his sphinxes and carrying on with other tasks. It's entirely possible he doesn't even realize he's still petting the cub.]

If you deem Hakuno worthy of such responsibilities, I shall readily accept her into my employ. [He hums thoughtfully as she does seem a sensible choice. After spending so much time with Archer, she no doubt understands how to function under the pressure of high standards. And even if her exposure to divine beasts may be a bit limited relative to time spent with ancient kings, she will likely have a better understanding that these creatures are not mere pets.] When you can spare her, send her to me. I shall instruct her on the care of sphinxes and show her the other responsibilities I will expect her to manage.

[But to the real reason why the King of Heroes is responding even if it's a lower priority for Ozymandias at the moment relative to finding employees.]

I would think you would find that scenario more pleasurable in private, King of Heroes, to avoid potential interruptions from others.

[gilgamess]

I shall speak to her of this matter.

[ that is phrased with deliberate ambiguity. by speak to, does Gilgamesh mean he will invoke his right as King to order Hakuno into this service? or does he mean he will bring the topic up in a manner that actually respects the fact that she has some choice? could he have actually learned anything from that whole attempt-to-arrange-a-marriage fiasco? again: deliberately ambiguous.

but in any case, this is not the same situation as the would-be arranged marriage. Gilgamesh really does believe Hakuno will be easily persuaded to undertake the job at the cafe. she has made him aware that she is saving money for a larger estate, and he would prefer that as well. and more money in general would be good to have -- they have essentially been starting anew after all those difficulties in the Moon Cell. Gilgamesh can complete high-risk quests more easily than Hakuno can, even with their newer abilities and roles, so it would make more sense for her to work in a capacity such as the cafe. ]

She tends to participate in a number of errands and goings-on, so hours would need to be negotiated. Yet I believe she has some interest in felines. We have taken in an animal ourselves. Some mongrel gave my Master this creature.

[ he tilts the camera at the up-until-now unmentionably-named "Butter Cake," a small white kitten. ]

It is quite unsuitable for battle, yet I think for Hakuno to learn the responsibility of tending to animals... would not be such a bad experience, in terms of their therapeutic effects. Therapeutic -- it is that, yes? That is the word these mongrels use in this era when they have been troubled by proximity to a conflict such as the Holy Grail War. In Uruk, we have no such concept. A citizen, especially a King, lives for grand adventures that befit a hero of epic stature, and a cat is a pleasure conduit who keeps warm the arm of the King as he smiles upon the sunrise of his city.

[ psychology is a strange modern concept, and Gilgamesh is still learning how to apply most of this jargon for it. even if he is the oldest purveyor of the human mind, pure humans always seem to be changing concepts. unlike his frail, probably-PTSD-stricken Master who had to kill all her friends in an endless death tournament, Gilgamesh has no Damage whatsoever and is entirely possessed of normal thoughts and coping mechanisms.

anyway, the point is he did convince himself now that he heard somewhere about animals being comforting or some such thing for people who had been through traumatic experiences, which is something he abstractly understands others to experience. ]

Ah, the development of the human race throughout the course of human history can be discussed by us at another time. Perhaps once I privately tend to those sphinxes, of course.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias is not altogether unfamiliar with the notion of animals being a comfort to those in need of it. He's witnessed it enough times over with his own sphinxes. Those who seek his counsel often pull a sphinx or two to themselves and pet them throughout the conversation, and he's often used caring for them as a diversion for those who seem to have a bit too much time on their hands after the incident in January.]

[And so, it seemed only natural to conclude that their presence in an environment such as a cafe could only serve to enhance it and perhaps even be the singular draw to some patrons.]

It is a fine little beast you've acquired, King of Heroes. Although it may never grow to be suitable for your adventures, a cat's ability for protection must never be underestimated. I imagine it shall act as guardian to you and your Master, and serve you well in whatever capacity it is able.

[Because it may be an ordinary housecat, but cats are still sacred creatures as far as Ozymandias is concerned.]

Although on that matter, if you should find a need for a creature more capable in battle, I would not be opposed to loaning you a sphinx. It is within my abilities to summon sphinxes of greater size than this in this world. They serve me now by protecting what I've claimed as my domain.

[He will not share how to summon such a creature because that is Ozymandias' divine right to share with no other, not even the King of Heroes. But Ozymandias holds enough respect for Gilgamesh that granting him a sphinx or two of his own is a kingly gesture of goodwill that he is willing to engage in. There is, after all, no need for Ozymandias and Gilgamesh to be at odds with one another.]

[gilgamess]

[ the note of sincerity and pride in Ozymandias's voice as he speaks of the kitten which Hakuno has taken in is enough to brighten Gilgamesh's own expression. he lifts the animal, holding it before the camera and turning it so that they both might have a better look. then, cat still in hands, he takes a seat, reclining in a familiar pose on the sofa.

this being Gilgamesh, naturally his apartment must have a sofa. it is an unwritten rule of all AUO housing. ]

Tch. [ Gilgamesh is smiling. his knuckles absently begin stroking over the cat's head. ] A fine little beast, indeed. [ he evidently likes the sound of that, as he repeats the words with additional honey. ] Well... perhaps I have spoken too soon. Someday he may yet show himself worthy of a proper title: Butter Cake, protector of the King's vault.

[ a savvy listener may guess that Gilgamesh was not involved in the animal naming process.

but now Butter Cake is purring contently in Gilgamesh's lap. actually, this is his real secret with cats -- he has very nice fingers, and his body language and voice (at least when he is relaxing and being a lazy piece of shit himself i.e. not in battle) are relaxing to many among the feline persuasion. there is no real secret other than that.

well, and he had an endless supply of catnip, plus the original of the first catnip plant, in Gate of Babylon.

but anyway. ]

Still, I should like to see your sphinxes.

[ on the subject of battle, he considers what to say. Ozymandias seems interested in being an ally, and they do share common adversaries now, so Gilgamesh supposes there is no need for secrecy. ah, but how involved is the other king in this business of the Cwyld? now that Gilgamesh thinks on it, he does not remember seeing him during the Northern Outpost journey.

perhaps this is a decent time to assess, hm -- ]

Those infected mongrels are disgusting creatures. Were I in possession of my vault, I should not like to waste the least of my blades on them.

[fulgency]

[...Butter...Cake.]

[Well, that is certainly a name.]

[Fortunately, Ozymandias is well-versed in controlling one's facial expression. While normally he might not particularly care about laughing at such an absurd name, it seems in poor taste to do so after an offer of allyship. At the very least, it does not set a very good tone. So, while he comes close to laughter, his eyebrows rising and his eyes brightening in amusement, Ozymandias only coughs for a moment, and then the moment passes without comment or laughter.]

[Gods have mercy on him, he will hopefully keep it out of the forefront of his mind and not feel the temptation again for the duration of this conversation. He refocuses his attention on Gilgamesh's words about the infected.]

In the absence of a cure, it is a mercy to put them down by that stage of their infection.

[Perhaps in contrast to Gilgamesh, he does not think of them as disgusting, inferior creatures. He recognizes them as suffering perhaps a more terrible fate than death itself.]

[gilgamess]

[ if he even notices the cough or the Pharaoh's hesitance, the King of Heroes makes no outward sign. as Gilgamesh conceives the world, he is perfection incarnate, thus all things approaching him approach an event horizon of perfection. Butter Cake's name thus became wrought with dignity the moment he became Gilgamesh's cat. such an absolute cannot be effaced by any force in this or any world, even laughter. were it any other cat, of course, it might be somewhat silly.

but then, his friend always did have their own ideas about things.

as the animal grows subdued, Gilgamesh considers Ozymandias's words. ]

A mercy, indeed.

[ there, they agree. it is only that Gilgamesh is not habitually merciful. what the King terms mercy has a certain cold and pragmatic edge at the best of times.

of course, though Gilgamesh himself had suffered a small infection during the Outpost journey, the idea that he, his friend, his Master, or any whom he has taken some manner of interest or allyship with in this world might become part and parcel of this infection -- the idea still feels deeply remote to him. ]

I have observed that you do not venture to the Wilde. [ Gilgamesh has not paid it much consideration, but thinking upon it now, he encountered Saber in the Wilde, but not the Pharaoh. as a matter of respect owed to a fellow King, he shall not question Ozymandias's decision, of course, though it is noteworthy because he can tell the other man was a Servant of some great stature even from his legend and mannerisms. ] Yet a King, or a Pharaoh, naturally feels responsible for a people. [ Gilgamesh does too, just in the most asshole way possible most of the time, his city-state being conceived of as his property. ] It seems that your efforts for our people lay elsewhere.

[ that last sentence is spoken with confidence, but contains the small hint of a question. Gilgamesh has begun to take an interest in the city, in the world itself. ]

video, un: momo-chan~♥

[yesdoubt]

[Momo remembers Ozymandias from that joint information post, but he's grateful that this post seems to be of a significantly lighter mood. In fact, when the video opens, Momo has one hot pink-nailed hand on his cheek in apparent transports of cuteness over the sphinx cubs. They sure don't look like anything from his own world, and he's sure they're probably magical in some way, but they're still cute.]

Ah, they're adorable~! What is it they eat in the first place? [Momo's working in radio already, but he's curious about the little cats and he can't say he hasn't done waitstaff jobs before, so he might do more than just shower Ozymandias with questions about the sphinxes. Maybe.] I've never seen a real sphinx before, but these ones look even more special than I would have imagined.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias huffs a laugh.]

I would compliment you on your observation if it were not quite so plain to see that these stand out even among other sphinxes. [Ozymandias' words are not meant to be a dig at Momo. Quite the contrary as he's so plainly pleased that they are being recognized as special when so many seem to mistake them as more or less a pet like common housecats. But it is obvious they're quite special when a galaxy seems to exist within their little bodies.] These are clones of the King of their species.

As you might expect, they are carnivores.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo gives a lighthearted grin, like he knows it was probably an obvious remark but doesn't mind if it was taken well. He plays the fool regularly, so it's not as if having it pointed out is unfamiliar.]

Clones...how is it they came here, then? Did they all come along with you? [That sounds kind of adorable if it's the case, but he feels like he should ask and make sure it's not some instance of things from people's home suddenly showing up here and not just people.] I guess they're still cats even if they're magical and full of stars. Maybe I could bond with them over carnivorous tendencies...

[Momo has not yet encountered a form of meat he dislikes unless it's outright inedible.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias shakes his head.]

Only the cub behind me can claim any sort of direct connection to their progenitor. It came through the mirrors several months after my arrival. Its siblings, unfortunately, did not follow. [But that is probably really for the best given the size that this cub will eventually grow to be. One Clifford the Big Blue Cat is enough for one city, probably.] Thus the others I've created with the magecraft of this world.

Other than their inability to grow and age as this one does, there is little difference between the two.

[yesdoubt]

So it did come along after you arrived, huh... [Momo looks a little curious at that, but he looks way more curious about the aspect of creating new ones through magic, and he curls a hand under his chin curiously.]

That'd be conjuration, right? I'm still getting used to magic stuff here, but permanently creating a new living thing seems like really impressive and high-level magic. Though I'm not studying that class myself, so I don't know as much about it as I probably should.

[He rubs a hand through the back of his hair and laughs a bit self-consciously. He knows enough about each class to know which ones he wanted to start with, but after that he basically just focused really hard on the ones he chose.]

[fulgency]

Permanent summons of any kind do not appear to be possible in this world, [Ozymandias says with a small shake of his head. His expression doesn't shift from that pleasant smile, but his eyes drop to the sphinx and there's something that fades from them. He doesn't need to vocalize that he finds it regrettable that this is so. The look is enough.] I've done extensive research into the matter. The most the sphinx awlad are capable of lasting is a week. It has taken me a long time to ensure their existence for that long and I've yet to discover a means in which to extend it beyond that limit.

Nor has anyone else from what I've read on the subject.

[It seems everyone is trying to extend the time that conjuration might last, but none have found a way to make the magic of this world stay woven or self-perpetuating in a sense enough to maintain whatever form they've created. Ozymandias doesn't understand it given that the magic of this place is what has altered his form. His physical form has been rendered permanent and all of his abilities as a Servant no longer possible. He has not felt weaker or diminished in the absence of his Master. If anything, he's felt himself overflowing with magic plenty of times in the absence of a Bond.]

text;

[beariot]

I may be no expert, but if you need anyone to taste test the coffee (or pet test the cats), I happily volunteer.

[fulgency]

Trying for free samples already, are we? [Ramesses chuckles.] Very well, I shall allow it this once.

[He makes it sound, of course, like it will only be this once, but Chariot no doubt knows that's not true at all. Even if she tried to pay him, Ramesses would never accept it.]

I will even go so far as to ensure privacy for your comfort and to reduce distractions.

[It'll be a date. He will make it into a date.]

voice;

[beariot]

[ She switches to voice since it feels awkward just texting him, given his propensity for dramatics. ]

I don't think you need to go that far... But I do want to support you in any way I can. Even if that's just being your own personal distraction, from time to time.

[fulgency]

[Wow, he's not dramatic!! The rest of the world is just not on His Level.]

[(He's a dramatic fool. It's fine.)]

I suppose I could do with a reminder every now and again to set aside work. [He was incredibly busy last month. Although he only lent his over and official support to one motion in Parliament, he gave his opinion and expertise on plenty of others. Never mind also busying himself with making arrangements for this little business venture. While he wasn't entirely absent, Ramesses was a bit of a rare sight as a consequence and his free time was limited.] You would be a most welcome distraction.

[beariot]

You really do take on a lot. I wasn't surprised to hear you taking this one, but... I am at least a little concerned.

[ On top of everything else he did. He may have been a pharoh, a descendant of gods, but he still had the limited well of human energy to deal with. ]

So a little coffee time with me or one of your bonded now and again should help.

[fulgency]

[There is no dramatic change to his expression, but hearing Chariot say she has felt some concern towards him gives him genuine pause. Because the problem with ambition like what he possesses is how quickly it can consume a person if left unchecked, making it all the more important that Ramesses surround himself with the right sort of people. People capable of keeping him grounded without holding him back. It is a difficult thing to balance, but Chariot is one such person capable of doing it and so, he takes it seriously when she expresses concern like this.]

[The playfulness in his tone disappears, but the warmth remains as he does not belittle or otherwise dismiss her anxiety for him.]

It seems I've neglected a few things this past month... [He stops petting the kitten in front of him for a moment as he hums thoughtfully.] I am not one to repeat my mistakes as I find such behaviors foolish.

I shall heed your advice and leave myself with more time for other important matters beyond the tasks I've set for myself. [He smiles a little wider.] Time spent with you and my Bonded is more precious to me than any gift I might receive.

[He resumes petting the kitten who, up to this point, has been hassling Ramesses to start petting him again by bumping into his hands on the desk.]

text;

[murowa]

How did you come across such creatures?

[fulgency]

I am able to summon them quite easily.

[In this world or in the world he came from. Although the process is quite different between the two. The sphinx cubs of this world are created from the magic in this world while the others are created directly from his Noble Phantasm. Still, there's really no discernable difference between the two other than size as the one native to his world continues to grow.]

I do not typically summon sphinxes as young as these, but command over these divine beasts is part of my divine right as a son of Ra. Where I am from, they are able to act as guardians to my temple complex and prevent those unwelcome and unworthy of entering from trespassing.

[Here the larger and more mature sphinxes guard his mansion just as they would Ramesseum, but he's not exactly leading them into battle any time soon or summoning them in such large numbers that it would constitute an army. It's a much quieter life for them here in Aefenglom much as it is for their master.]

[murowa]

Summoning magic, is it? I'm familiar with the idea, though I haven't yet taken the time to practice this world's version of it.

[Luna Nova was different in that they would be different fields of magic at once.

But wasn't Luna Nova, and therefore, she'd rather take things slowly.

Well, "slowly" for her still meant at a pretty brisk pace considering her own skill.]

They seem to be perfectly obedient.

[And cute.]

[fulgency]

[He huffs a laugh.]

While they are content, they certainly are! But once boredom strikes, they are as any other child. Curiosity will take hold and they will seek out mischief of their own accord.

[Thankfully their mischief is a bit contained, and never results in any sort of permanent damage to anything. They are far too small to cause that much mayhem.]

[murowa]

[Not all that different than owning a more conventional pet, it sounds like.]

Do they have names?

[fulgency]

Only the sphinx that is permanent in nature possesses a name. Unfortunately those that I conjure in this world do not appear capable of maintaining their form.

[The magic of this world that grants his physical form permanency does not appear to be applicable to conjurations. The longest he can manage is nearly a week.]

In the absence of its progenitor in this world, it bears his name. Sphinx Wehem-Mesut.