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.

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]

[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.

[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.]

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]

[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.

[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.]

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.]

[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.]

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.

[yesdoubt]

[That seems like a shame, and Momo gives an apologetic sort of smile when he hears it.] Ah, I guess that just goes to show that I don't really know what I'm talking about when it comes to magic. It's a little bit sad to think that they'll only be around for a week...though I guess it's a little bit like they're just going back into the original.

[He brings his hands together into a circle, as if to imply many things reforming back into a single one. It's a considerably less upsetting way to think of it, to him, though it's clear enough from Ozymandias' look that he might be being a bit optimistic with that interpretation.] I still think it's impressive, though. Especially if you and so many others have been trying to push that limit.

[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]

[It is an overly optimistic interpretation of what happens to the cubs after the magic dissipates enough that they can no longer hold their form. But Ozymandias offers no correction and allows Momo the more pleasant thought that they are reintegrated back into Sphinx Wehem-Mesut.]

[Not everyone is meant to think in the harsh realities of the world or else everyone would be king.]

It is in my very nature to push the limit. A god such as myself should never know a limit.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo has his own realities to deal with before he starts overthinking someone else's, though perhaps he's also just hoping an idea like this isn't coming off the back of any suffering to the creatures when they disappear.

For the moment, he sets that thought aside to laugh good-naturedly at the other man's remark.] Right, the "king of kings" business...that's a big title to fill. Especially having to work with this world's magic system and not whatever your own world had. I keep hearing that's a strange adjustment for people.

[He was already too normal to have anything stripped from him on arrival, but he's heard about it happening from enough people now to know it does.]

[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.]

[fulgency]

It was, yes. To remain among the living, I would require a contract with a mage.

[Granted his mana stores were quite vast for a Servant of his class. He could sustain himself for a spectacularly long time independent of a Master and still utilize his Noble Phantasms without worry of fading as quickly as most. But even he was not exempt from requiring a source for any attempts to remain long-term. His mana was not inexhaustible.]

But here, I've no need. The magic of this world is able to sustain my form. It even appears to have made my physical form permanent. Or, at the very least, my spiritual form is no longer accessible.

[Regardless of which it is, the magic of this world clearly functions differently if it has been able to make such changes to his magic-dependent form like this.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo listens curiously - it's clear from his expression this isn't a concept he's particularly familiar with, but he seems interested to learn more.]

So you turned from a spirit into something else in coming here? [He probably would've guessed spirit from the "remaining among the living" part, but it's nice to have it confirmed before having to ask. Still, he gives a thoughtful sort of smile.] I guess that's more of a trade, at least, even if it sounds kinda uneven. I've met people here who just had their magic stripped and had nothing else to show for it, or even kept weaknesses I would've thought would be tied up in their magic.

[His first thought is Grace and his accidentally burning her by offering her a knife without knowing she had a weakness to iron.]

[beariot]

And I've gotten the official word from Mio that I'm free to basically go out as much as I like, so long as I take my cane with me. So I'll be spoiling you with that gift plenty. [ Her smile warmed, feeling like a smooth, window steeped morning tea in disposition. She would still worry about him extending too far from time to time, sure, but... she never had to think he wouldn't pull back at her insistence. Though just spending time with him being called a 'gift' was a bit much, even if she had rolled with it. ]

I love you... and you've done something really worth being proud of.

[ Not just the cafe. His work with the council, his attempts to just better the lives of those around him. That was the sort of thing that seemed almost above someone with just the name of Ramesses II, but... the man himself really was not unlike the sun, wasn't he? ]

It may not be as grand as ruling Egypt, but it's meant a lot to everyone you've helped.

[fulgency]

Worry not. I haven't lost sight of how disproportionately this world has affected the Mirrorbound. [As irritating as he finds it to have been rendered substantially weaker than he once was, Ozymandias knows that he ultimately walked away from this better off than many. Especially those who have been made Monsters and find their bodies transformed in less than pleasant ways by comparison.] I know that it is through the divine protection of the gods that I find myself relatively unchanged compared to others.

[...It's really not even worth trying to convince him that the gods he worships likely had very little influence on matters here.]

Fortunately, even those who have suffered the greatest, do not find themselves carrying their burdens alone.

[fulgency]

[Ramesses hums in light amusement, pleased with the sound of her smile in her voice and to receive her love.]

It is as I said to you all those months ago. No matter the era or place that I've been summoned, I shall always be the Sun. Even if my legacy is not to be the same as it is in our worlds, my works in this city are just as important to me as my achievements in Egypt.

[He simply cannot change his nature. He will always guide those who seek his wisdom and any who seek to better themselves, he will support their earnest fight to reach their full potential. His dreams for everyone's happiness were arguably achieved in Egypt in his lifetime, but he is willing to strive for that to be true here in this city as well despite such responsibilities not really resting upon his shoulders quite so directly.]

I shall not allow myself to be anything less than what I am. To do otherwise would be a betrayal of your love and I could never tolerate losing the brightest star amongst the heavens. [He chuckles warmly.] Though I still cannot help but feel displeased at my inability to construct a great monument for the love I bear for you.

[Because the tapestry he gave her for her birthday is fine and all, but, like... Consider a colossal statue?? What about a temple?]

Words never quite feel enough.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo's not here to start arguments over people's beliefs, so he doesn't comment on the gods thing and instead focuses on the potential marginally more positive spin he can take from this turn of topic.]

Yeah, the bonding system means it's hard to get away with trying to carry your problems alone, doesn't it? [As if Momo isn't trying, but he's not raising that particular topic without someone asking.] Maybe those changes were to encourage people to support and be supported more as they adjusted to this place. If I wanted to put an optimistic spin on it, at least.

[He grins apologetically, like he knows that's probably not the reason, but it's not like any of them know the real reason at this point either.]