With a drink in hand, I forgive most anything.
The night forest lay silent, its stillness enveloping the slumbering group.
I—the King of Heroes—did not sleep. Reclining in a hammock, I kept watch, ever vigilant.
Today, I leaned heavily on my vessel, this body. Wishing it rest, I let half my mind drift into slumber. My mouth moved of its own accord, as if I were merely observing, listening to my own musings.
I'm not skilled at enjoying myself.
I avoid unnecessary distractions.
For one like me, nameless and unmoored, idleness offers no answers.
"Hmph," I murmured, gazing upward. "This reminds me of racing through Uruk. The moon's a bit clouded, but a fine sight nonetheless."
A solitary reflection from my vessel.
I agree. Battle isn't my passion. I'll never hesitate to protect what's mine, but I take no joy in harming enemies for sport.
Far better to savor moments like this. The night breeze caressed my cheek—a splendid respite.
"There should be sake suited for such a moon…" I mused, reaching for a flask.
Such tireless vigor. After that grand performance, my vessel seemed unfazed.
I'm not fond of sake's taste, but in quiet moments like this, I enjoy it.
That morning cup, drunk amidst nature's embrace… it was truly exquisite.
"Moon-viewing sake," I chuckled. "Quite refined, if I say so myself. Though, if I must nitpick, a pourer would elevate the experience. But I'll keep that to myself."
I'd volunteer, out of daily gratitude, but a soul like me cannot.
All I can do is avoid disturbing the King of Heroes.
"If I may, Gorgeous-sama?" a voice chimed, bright as a blooming flower. "Might I keep you company?"
Marie stepped forward, her laughter soft. "Hehe, it's Marie-san! I saw you out here in the dead of night and couldn't resist."
"The Queen, is it?" I said, raising an eyebrow. "What's this? A trip to the privy?"
"Oh, no!" Marie giggled. "I was chatting with Jeanne and Master, but they've all fallen asleep. Yet, I'm too thrilled by our new friends to settle down…"
"I see. Seeking someone to cool your fervor," I said, smirking. "Choosing me shows fine taste."
A crude phrasing, perhaps, but having someone ease my vessel's solitude was welcome.
"I permit it. Come closer."
"An honor, Gorgeous-sama!" Marie beamed.
Let's enjoy this drinking bout.
"So, the fortress folk were talking," Marie began, her voice bubbling with excitement. "They were saved by a golden traveler! He shared medicine, drove off a dragon—a whole party led by a splendid king. Who wouldn't want to meet such a person? I dragged Amadeus along, searching high and low!"
"I see," I said, chuckling. "That's why you sought to join us. I merely acted as I pleased, and it happened to aid the people. Nothing more."
Marie's laughter rang clear, my own proud chuckle echoing hers. The air felt warm, serene.
"What a lovely moment!" Marie sighed. "I could wish it lasted forever! To be with such a gallant king—it's like being a queen myself! I told Jeanne the same, hehe. I'm so happy! Even after death, these precious moments keep growing. Isn't that true happiness?"
"A dream, in the end," I said, swirling my sake. "But joining in the revelry isn't bad now and then. I'm usually just passing the time."
"Really?" Marie tilted her head. "Then it's my turn, yes?"
"What?"
"Gorgeous-sama, I want to hear your story," she said, eyes sparkling. "Master and Mash spoke of you with such awe—your feats, your triumphs."
Relief washes over me. Mash and Master don't despise me. My vessel, Gilgamesh, endures.
"You'd have me play storyteller?" I scoffed. "Bold, presumptuous girl."
"Would you rather not?" Marie asked, pouting.
"Hmph. The sake's loosened my tongue," I said, leaning back. "Might as well indulge."
"Listen well to the words of a king."
"Yes!" Marie chirped, leaning closer.
We spoke of many things.
Being summoned.
Battling Servants.
Cheating death.
Chaldea, Master, Mash. Roman, Olga-Marie…
In that brief time, countless memories surfaced, vivid and varied.
"And so, Chaldea became my second Uruk," I concluded.
"My goodness!" Marie gasped. "Such a splendid place! People, facilities, all shining so brightly—Chaldea!"
"Of course," I boasted. "I oversaw it myself! No structure could surpass its grandeur. My gorgeous stronghold for a gorgeous king!"
I laughed heartily, recalling the grumbling beginnings. Hah!
Acting as he pleases, stirring everyone around him, bringing happiness—that's this merry king.
"Oh, it sounds wonderful!" Marie said. "Could I… could I go there?"
"Hm?"
"I want to visit Chaldea!" she declared. "I must!"
Could she? If she's a Heroic Spirit, answering a summons might…
"That's up to you," I said. "First, survive this Singularity. Chaldea only welcomes spirits of my caliber. As for forgers, I care not—they're irrelevant."
"Can I do it…?" Marie wondered, then steeled herself. "No, I'm confident I can shine just as brightly!"
"Enough with the dazzling talk," I said, clinking my glass. "My defenses are impervious. But… well."
I raised my glass. Clink.
"For entertaining me tonight, you might just earn an invitation. When the time comes, answer the call with pride. By my name, I permit you to set foot in Chaldea."
"Oh, thank you, King!" Marie cried.
A soft touch grazed my cheek.
"—!"
"Oh, sorry, King!" Marie gasped, pulling back. "It's a habit—I kiss without thinking. Forgive my rudeness!"
I couldn't grasp the intent behind it.
"Hahaha! Bold girl!" I roared. "To catch me off guard with a kiss! You've scored a point!"
"Was it unwelcome…?" she asked, hesitant.
"No, it's a drinking night—etiquette's forgiven," I said. "But keep it from Master and Mash. I'll jot it down in my '108 Situations for Saber' list later."
"Your queen!" Marie said, eyes wide. "Will you introduce me to her someday?"
"Fine," I said. "Prepare to be awestruck by her beauty! Hahaha, what a delightful night! The sake tastes divine!"
Ever heard of a pie in the sky, King of Heroes? Empty promises lead to trouble.
"Oh, I'm so glad I was summoned!" Marie exclaimed. "Being a hero alongside Gorgeous-sama is my pride! From tomorrow, I swear to fight for justice!"
"Good! Strive on!" I declared. "I forgive all—because I'm gorgeous! Hahaha! HAHAHAHA!"
My laughter echoed through the night's darkness, boundless and free.
But the tranquil night drew to a close.
"!"
"—Enemy attack," I said, senses sharp. "Servants among them."
"I'll wake the others!" Marie said, springing to her feet.
"Quickly," I ordered. "Now, time for work."
I wanted the King of Heroes to rest. After such a performance, another battle so soon was relentless.
But I cannot flee my duty.
"No idea what mongrels these are," I said, rising. "I'll scatter them with ease."
This is my journey, too.
"My Saber deserves 108 perfect situations!" I declared. "Number one, naturally: a single pull, meeting fate that very day!"
First, let's pull. Then we'll talk.
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