"It's over."
In the Inner Sea of the Stars, Avalon.
After deactivating the projection Magecraft before him, Merlin turned to Roman, who was on a video call with him.
"In the end, their efforts were futile."
This, of course, referred to Merry and the others' plan to bring Naoki back to marry them all.
Originally, the reason Ritsuka and the others embarked on the Lostbelt exploration journey was to bring back Naoki, who had strayed and neglected his family, to marry them all. This was a plan that had been delayed for ten years, and the number of people involved suddenly increased due to the incident in the Seventh Singularity.
But...
"Naoki has a new purpose in the Lostbelt, a new desire, wanting to save the world just for one person. For that, he even decided to return to fourteen thousand years ago alone—even I didn't expect such a development. This is truly interesting."
[Interesting...? Is that the only reaction you can give?]
Roman looked helplessly at the Incubus, who was as hopeless as Merry.
[I think it's somewhat ironic; half a year ago, we were just trying hard to stop one Human Order Incineration, but now we have to actively perform one Lostbelt Incineration... It can only be said that life is full of uncertainties; anything strange can happen.]
"You're right—but is this really okay, Romani?"
[What do you mean?]
"The rings."
Merlin said: "With this, the Ten Rings and Goetia all belong to Naoki. Do you think this is fine?"
[I thought you were going to say what... Well, I don't care. Anyway, I've already thrown away these Ten Rings once in my life; throwing them away once more isn't a big deal. Moreover, they are essentially Naoki's spoils of war; it's natural for them to be given to him.]
"Mmm~~~ Since you've already said so, let it be—Alright, enough with the casual chat. I'm going to update Magical Merry's blog. Remember to come and give me a good review later."
[Damn you, don't talk in Magical Merry's tone right now!]
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"Eh? Leaving?"
In Chaldea's Central Control Room.
Not long after Rei returned from the Lostbelt.
Seeing Aoko, who had already packed her belongings, Ritsuka asked with a bit of surprise: "Everyone's leaving so soon? Not staying longer?"
"There's no reason to stay, after all."
Aoko, carrying a suitcase, smiled: "Initially, we came here to bring Naoki back. Since the problem is now resolved, there's no need to stay longer, especially since there are some matters that need to be dealt with."
"Matters?"
"Well, it's a kind of follow-up. After this incident, Chaldea's situation in the international eye will definitely become more troublesome."
Aoko smiled bitterly.
Previously, Chaldea was somewhat like an independent nation. Protected by the seventy-two Demon God Pillars, neither the UN nor the Mage's Association, despite wanting to intervene in Chaldea, were powerless, especially with the continuous pressure exerted by Aoko and the others outside.
But now, because Naoki took the Ten Rings, the seventy-two Demon God Pillars also disappeared from around Chaldea, leaving Chaldea in a defenseless state.
The Clock Tower might also be the same. Those who previously dared not make small moves due to threats from Artoria and the others, this time got about three weeks of respite. They might already be eager to start planning conspiracies.
"We will deal with the external parties who have ill intentions toward Chaldea; consider it a clean-up job—Well, this is not something Ritsuka needs to think about. You yourself also have things you need to do."
"My own business..."
"For example, school—or something like that." Aoko said with a smile. "I remember you're only seventeen. Still a beautiful and vibrant high school girl. Ignoring the special circumstances of the Human Order Incineration at that time, this time you came to help by taking a long leave. Is your studies alright?"
"Ah!!"
After Aoko said that, Ritsuka truly remembered.
Right, studies.
Although she was a hero who had participated in battles to save the world, Ritsuka was still a beautiful and vibrant seventeen-year-old high school girl this year. The most important thing she should be doing was her studies!
Studying, taking exams, then going on to university—this is what a normal high school girl should be doing.
And because of this incident, she and Mash had requested indefinite long leave from school, and had already been absent from school for three or four months...
(I'm definitely going to be held back a year!!)
Held back a year.
For a student, this was the most terrifying thing, equivalent to failing an exam.
"I can't, I also have to talk to Merry-sensei. These two days I must immediately go back and catch up on lessons with Mash. If I'm held back a year—oh right, I also have to call Dad and Mom to give them good news, and contact the school too..."
"Don't rush, just relax, Ritsuka." Aoko patted Ritsuka's shoulder: "Well then, I'll be going first."
"Ah, alright, be careful on your way, Aoko-san."
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Japan.
Misaki Town.
Ryougi Residence.
Sitting in the central courtyard, looking at the distant sky, Ryougi Shiki—no, it should be Root Shiki—seemed to have confirmed something. The corner of her lips slightly lifted, then lowered again.
"You still made that choice, Naoki."
Regarding the things happening far away in the Lostbelt, Root Shiki already knew since the last time she met Naoki. It's just that at that time, to avoid influencing Naoki's choice, she concealed this matter, and instead expressed it obliquely in another way.
As a result, Naoki made the same decision she had known he would.
Root Shiki sighed softly.
"Haaah~~~~ With this, Shiki will have to wait a few more years. Although that's nothing compared to the time you have to go through, but... letting a girl wait for you for over twenty years, you'll have to explain yourself well when you meet later, Naoki."
"However..."
Her gaze penetrated the sky, penetrated space and time, penetrated the world.
Root Shiki looked at the figure who had embarked on the path of world salvation, her hands slightly clasped together, as if praying and blessing.
"Before that, let me give you my blessing first."
"May the path traversed by the Star Holy Sword Bearer be filled with hope and light. May he realize his wish, and save the world that was once destroyed."
King and Magician.