"Quick, quick, quick! The movie's about to start!"
"Damn, I woke up late!"
"No matter what, I can't miss a single bit of the plot!"
"I haven't even had a sip of water yet today, and I already hit the restroom several times earlier. This time, there's no way I'm leaving in the middle of the movie!"
"You guys are way too intense…"
"And you think you're in any position to talk? Those dark circles under your eyes still haven't faded!"
Amid this frantic rush, even in the chill of early winter, crowds of people in Nosrick City were still flocking to the cinemas.
Compared to shows aired on television like KonoSuba and The Garden of Sinners, it was clear that many were far more excited about today's theatrical release of Fate/Zero.
After all, at the end of the previous episode, the Masters and Servants in Fate/Zero had just noticed something shifting across the sea and were gearing up for battle.
Now, everyone was eagerly awaiting the next part of the story, hoping to witness even more intense clashes between the Masters and their heroic spirits.
And aside from the general public, the Nosrick Cinema was also welcoming a few very special guests this time.
When Edward arrived at the theater with a large contingent from the Edward Film Studio, the first faces he saw were familiar ones: General Wilhelm, Imperial Knight Commander Wycliffe, Rhine, and a whole bunch of knights who had taken part in Fate/Zero.
Aside from these familiar faces, standing beside Wilhelm was another recognizable and kind-looking elderly man—the current emperor, Emperor Hubbard, along with his youngest daughter.
"Ahaha~ Lord Durin, we meet again."
Faced with His Majesty's casual, neighborly greeting, Edward couldn't help but feel his scalp tingle a little. Still, he returned the greeting as politely and calmly as possible:
"It's only been a few months since we last met. Did Your Majesty come specifically for Fate/Zero this time?"
"Not just Fate/Zero—also all your new films. After all, my daughter Amy has been begging non-stop to watch the new releases. Ever since we watched the last one, even the Frost Festival banquet at the palace hasn't been able to hold her attention."
At the Emperor's words, the young girl referred to as Amy immediately blushed and hid behind him, clearly embarrassed by her father's candid remarks.
As a princess, showing such an intense obsession with something was definitely not considered proper behavior.
However, no one present seemed to mind the young princess's bashfulness. In fact, many found her innocence quite endearing—no wonder Emperor Hubbard liked to keep her by his side.
Of course, Edward was also secretly speculating. With the transition of imperial power approaching and the silent struggle for the throne already underway, the old Emperor's behavior might stir controversy among those with an agenda.
But since the emperor himself didn't seem concerned, Edward didn't see the need to get involved either.
Meanwhile, the other members of the film studio behind him had no idea that this kind-looking elder was actually the emperor of the empire. They were all laughing and joking, assuming he was just another big-shot investor working with Edward.
. . . . . .
On the other side of the cinema, Juno had brought the Beastkin Oracle—disguised as a regular old man—and found seats for them both.
Seeing the bustling scene around him, the Oracle, clearly unaccustomed to such crowds and fanfare, murmured in astonishment:
"So many ordinary people are here just to watch a movie?"
Juno hesitated for a moment, then simply nodded in response.
"Oracle, I mentioned it in my letter before, didn't I? Humans treat something called 'movies' as a form of entertainment, and it's incredibly popular among ordinary people."
"To think it's really true…"
As he took in the scene before him, the Oracle was simultaneously awed by the richness of human culture and silently observed the surrounding audience.
Suddenly, when his eyes landed on a group sitting quietly in the corner—composed of Belldia, Viz, Latisha, and Saeki, the so-called "Undead Quartet"—his pupils instantly contracted, and he quickly and nervously lowered his head.
"..."
Juno, sitting beside him, clearly didn't understand why the Oracle had reacted with such fear. Though confused, she didn't press the matter.
Meanwhile, a bitter smile unknowingly crept across the Oracle's face.
He had mentally prepared for the possibility of encountering some truly formidable individuals during this trip, but the sheer pressure radiating from the Undead Quartet was still enough to make even him—recognized as the strongest mage in the Beastkin Kingdom—deeply uneasy.
If someone like him, who was only one step away from becoming an Arch Mage, found these opponents utterly overwhelming, then their level was already beyond question.
The Oracle then shifted his gaze past the Undead Quartet and spotted Edward, Emperor Hubbard, General Wilhelm, and several of the empire's knights.
In that instant, a fresh wave of cold sweat broke out across his back, and he felt as if his heart skipped a beat.
'If I'm not mistaken… that man is the Empire's Grand General, Wilhelm? And those around him are elite knights of the royal order. And that young archmage… the elderly man seated next to him… could it be—?'
As past images flashed through his mind, a flood of anxiety welled up. Trying his best to stay composed and avoid exposing himself, the Oracle muttered under his breath, almost as if reaffirming his mission:
"To have drawn the attention of so many powerful figures… it seems this so-called movie is far more significant than it appears. Its surface may be wrapped in entertainment, but there's definitely something deeper going on here. I didn't come in vain. I must uncover the human empire's true trump card!"
. . . . .
While cinemas across the southern regions were already buzzing with anticipation, the Grand Plaza of the Imperial Mage Academy had also been prepared. A massive movie screen had been set up.
Because this screening was to be held during the day, the academy's mages had even cast a giant spatial shadow spell, blanketing the entire square in a simulated night.
Clearly, after the previous experience, most of the mages didn't need Edward's guidance anymore. They were already gathered and waiting eagerly in the square.
Picole and Dillon were among the crowd, feeling a wave of emotion wash over them.
The last time they'd watched a movie, they were just ordinary freshmen. But now, they had already become members of the Alchemy Branch, even joining the Alchemy Tower itself and serving as assistants to the tower's master, Ska.
In the blink of an eye, the two couldn't help but feel how unpredictable life could be. Still, they quickly set aside their emotions and joined the rest of the mages in looking forward to the premiere of Fate/Zero's second episode.
And under the collective anticipation of all the moviegoers gathered before the screens throughout the empire, Fate/Zero Chapter 2 finally began to unfold before everyone's eyes…
<+>
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[1] https://www.patreon.com/collection/162522?view=condensed
[2] https://www.patreon.com/posts/131161767?collection=162522
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[4] https://www.patreon.com/collection/162522?view=condensed