Chapter 75: The World Where No One Gets Hurt Has Been Completed
"This brat—she's not listening to a word I'm saying!"
So this is the composure of the strongest creature, huh? That's a bit too much confidence, and even her way of thinking is this straightforward and crude.
Eikou truly couldn't understand. This was clearly the first time they had met, so why did Melusine keep clinging to him and not letting go, even daring to hide it from her superior to go this far?
"…"
But compared to that question, there was still a more important matter to deal with right now.
"Melusine-san, we should talk seriously."
Eikou said:
"I'll give you 5 QP, at least please choose the third ending, don't let Morgan really find out."
"5 QP won't bribe me,"
Melusine said proudly, puffing out her nonexistent chest.
"I am the Dragon of Horizon, both greedy and strong, even among Phantasmal Species I am a rare dragon, my price is very high."
"I… I still have 500 QP…" Eikou said with a pained face, "Please!"
"I can tell you've sacrificed a lot already, but I feel like my own class is being lowered… 500 QP isn't even enough for the minimum spending at a high-end European restaurant, and yet you want to bribe a noble, greedy dragon?"
Melusine was completely unmoved by his price, instead looking at him with a meaningful gaze.
It seemed like she was waiting to see what he would offer as a reward.
"I know, if you can't bring out something good you can't bribe a dragon… but in my clothes, there really is something very valuable, maybe you'll be interested."
Eikou suddenly unbuttoned his shirt.
Seeing him suddenly take off his shirt, Melusine's heart immediately beat faster.
Could it be that he intended to use his body for the trade?... Hmm, not bad.
But Eikou only took off his outer coat, then reached into the inner pocket, pulling out an item.
"I'm serious, please…!"
With a heavy expression, Eikou handed over a game cartridge, his face clearly showing reluctance to part with it.
"…What is the meaning of this?"
"A limited-edition game cartridge only sold at the convention, with a shiny card cover, and also a limited quantity version—if sold in the right place it could get 700 QP… This is a top-tier JRPG masterpiece, a god among gods, I originally planned to collect it, but if you want it, you can take it."
"I'm not asking what this is, I'm asking why you're giving it to me."
"To bribe you, obviously."
"Sir Eikou… you really are a bit naïve, naïve enough that I want to punch you."
Eikou really didn't want to get punched by a dragon at all…
"Then what exactly do you want?" Eikou asked.
"Then I'll be straightforward…"
Melusine moved closer to him, with a gentle motion pressing herself at his side.
Those beautiful amber-like eyes looked straight into him with a gaze filled with emotion.
"What I really want… is you, Mochizuki Eikou."
"…Me?"
Eikou froze, pointing at himself in disbelief.
Was this dragon girl trying to pull a Gilgamesh or something?
"Umu umu, if you agree to go on a date with me once, I'll listen to you."
"Uh…"
He didn't hesitate for too long.
If just going on a date once with a beautiful maiden could avoid the worst ending when Morgan goes berserk, then neither he nor Gawain would have to make any sacrifices.
But Eikou didn't dare immediately agree to this request, instead hesitating a little.
The reason was pretty clear… Melusine was, without a doubt, a predator type!
Judging from her earlier behavior, he even suspected whether there was a difference in perception between humans and dragons—the so-called "go on a date once" in her words might actually mean "seggs brutal"?
Oh well, after everything he had gone through, whether ahead lay a dragon's lair or a pit of fire, he was confident he could push through.
"Deal."
He nodded.
"Alright~ you have to keep your promise."
And that silver-haired dragon girl gave a radiant smile, joy flowing from the depths of her heart.
…
Ten minutes later.
When Gawain hurried over, this game had already been completed.
"…I'm back."
He panted as he spoke, holding a bag of game cartridges, filled with all sorts of family party games.
At this moment, the Knight of the Sun's heart was beating very fast—half from running back and forth, half from worrying about the game they were playing.
To let his mother, along with the guests, unknowingly play this "Lancelot" simulation game was no joke—who knew, she might send him straight back to the Throne of Heroes.
But judging from his mother's expression, as well as everyone else's, it didn't seem like anything had been exposed?
Everyone looked like they were having a great time, as if each of them was satisfied.
Only Eikou's expression was particularly heavy.
"You're back, Gawain,"
Morgan said casually, setting the controller down.
"The experience of this game isn't bad, I quite enjoyed it. The only pity is that the story is too short—just started and it's already over."
"I see…"
As a righteous knight, it was rare for him to feel so guilty that he avoided her gaze.
"If it's already completed, then let's switch to another game. Here we have Mario Party, and also Mario Kart—I'm sure you'll like them, Mother-sama. And Sir Eikou, I even brought the Super Smash Bros you wanted most."
Eikou only revealed a look of utter misery, as if he was on the verge of tears.
That expression was like there was nothing left in this world worth worrying about.
"Forget it… you guys play, for the next month I probably won't touch any game at all."
After saying that, he stood up, intending to go to the living room to pour a glass of water.
As he left, Eikou gave Gawain a meaningful pat on the shoulder.
"To be able to go this far for you… this brother, truly has done his utmost, fulfilled righteousness to the fullest."
"Sir Eikou, I was only gone for half an hour, just what exactly did you go through…"
Eikou only shook his head slightly.
That expression was no different from Emiya Shirou after realizing his dream, silently saying: "See, the world where no one gets hurt has been completed."
Seeing Eikou looking so utterly dejected made Gawain start to feel uneasy.
He curiously glanced at their game screen.
The ending that Mother Morgan got looked completely normal.
["You and your husband 'Mochizuki Eikou' work from home while taking care of your daughter. With the help of the female subordinate 'Melusine,' not only is your career successful, but your family is also perfectly happy. The warm, lively home is filled with laughter, and every day passes in fulfillment and joy."]
["Congratulations, you have achieved the happiest ending."]
It seemed like there was nothing wrong.
No, the very fact that there was nothing wrong was the biggest problem.
Gawain glanced over at the other screen—Eikou's perspective.
Sure enough, though it was the same family, Eikou's ending was entirely different.
["Under the orders of 'Melusine,' you serve a woman you have completely fallen out of love with."]
["This makes you extremely uncomfortable, but as long as you think of it as part of the 'play' with 'Melusine,' you feel excited. Therefore, you will perform your best, and each day you will look forward to Melusine visiting your home, and while your wife is unaware, let her bring you fresh pleasure."]
["Thus, you will take good care of this family and do whatever it takes to attain joy."]
["Congratulations, you have achieved the ending where everyone is happy!"]
The in-game version of Eikou had been completely molded into the form Melusine desired.
From a certain point of view, this really was an ending that satisfied everyone—a world where no one got hurt had been completed.
"…You've truly had a hard time, Sir Eikou."
Gawain genuinely didn't know how to thank him, for Eikou had sacrificed far too much for his sake.
From the living room came Eikou's furious, grief-filled scream.
"FUKOU DAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!"