"The Rider summoning, huh? The time has come! Let's go, Nitocris! Now is the moment for the sun's radiance to descend upon this so-called Chaldea!"
"Haha! My Pharaoh! I, Nitocris, am ever at your side!"
"Well, well? Only that one would dare proclaim something as audacious as 'all the pleasures of this world' with such earnestness! Very well! If he points me to the treasure's location, I shall conquer it thoroughly with my royal path!"
"Then, let's go!"
"Indeed, we shall!"
"…Hm?"
"Now, the Riders, eh? This class is quite the handful. The concept of 'riding' is so broad and vague, and with fewer restrictions on their varied Noble Phantasms, it's a chaotic lot. Honestly, that Conqueror and the Sun's chosen one run wild as they please… If this summoning succeeds, my burden will lighten considerably."
Could there truly be an existence this vessel calls a 'King'…? A Heroic King, so haughty and unyielding, would likely insist they alone embody true kingship.
"Personally, I think you're the only king we need," the vessel mused. "Kings are all so stubborn and troublesome."
"Hm. Well, a king who hears the voice of the divine and acts as its agent might differ, but one who moves the masses with their own will? That's only natural. A selfless king is worth less than a mere ornament—whose words were those again? Hah, what a pointless debate. It's either me or nothing."
The vessel nodded enthusiastically. I'd rather steer clear of kingly banter. Give me casual chatter with someone easygoing any day.
"—Alright, I've decided on one Rider to summon. Sorry, but you'll have to make do with two."
"You've already picked one?"
"It's a surprise. Come on, spin it—it's gacha time!"
The summoning circle activated, its familiar glow unfurling and converging.
"Now, who'll show up? It's a class with few duds, but let's see…"
There stood a tall woman, her long purple hair flowing, clad in a bondage suit and an eyemask.
"What curious folk. Are you seeking a sacrifice?" she purred.
"—Ho? Right on trend, aren't you? Here to promote your silver screen debut?"
"You're spouting nonsense again. How about seeing things from my perspective for once?"
"Hah! An impossible request. The gaze of mongrels is so low, I can't even tell what they're looking at."
"…Surprising. I thought you were the type to allow neither sight, sound, nor speech."
"This time, I'm in an exceptionally good mood. I'll permit a monster like you to exchange a few words with me."
"Is that so? …You're quite whimsical, aren't you?"
She shook her head, exasperated.
Then—
"Cool beauty! You're an absolute cool beauty!"
"…Pardon?"
"So sleek, so stunning! Thank you for answering the summons! I'm Rikka! Call me Rikka!"
Master Rikka extended a hand eagerly.
The woman glanced at Olgamally.
"? W-What?"
"—Nothing. It seems this place will be worth my while."
Turning back to Rikka, she accepted the handshake.
"Pleased to meet you, Rikka. I'll take care of you all…"
"Really?! Yay!"
Rikka didn't notice the sly lick of her lips…
"A Master tied to snakes, huh? …I'm itching to cut something."
"Eh?!"
"Just kidding—don't cry. Alright, the final random summon. What's it gonna be?"
The summoning circle flared, light surging upward.
And there appeared…
"I am Martha. Just Martha."
"""—!!!"""
A tremor ran through some of the staff.
A perfect figure, bearing a cross.
—She was, without doubt, the one who had guided them…
"Surely, she'll save the world—"
""""The Saint of Fists has descended—!!!""""
"Pfft—!!!"
Martha burst out laughing.
"W-Wait, what?! How do you know about the fists… I mean, you know?!"
""""Because that is your prayer!""""
"That makes no sense—?!"
"The presence of Saint Martha!! —Oh… ohhh…"
Jeanne staggered toward Martha, collapsing to her knees.
"Wait, Jeanne? It's you, right? What's going—"
"Saint Martha… No, Master—!"
Jeanne clasped her hands to her chest, offering a prayer.
"I've longed to meet you…!"
"Uh, wait, hold on… huh?!"
"Thank you, Saint Martha! Your teachings, your prayers… they saved France!"
"No, wait, slow down! I'm not following—!"
"I give thanks for this day of meeting you! Come, everyone! Let us honor Saint Martha! Let's toss her up in celebration!"
""""Yes!!!""""
"Wait, hold on, wha—?!"
""""Surround her—!!""""
In an instant, she was encircled.
"Ready—!"
""""Hallelujah!! Praise the Lord, Hallelujah!!""""
Martha was hoisted high, tossed again and again.
"I don't get what's happening—!!!"
"Let us praise her! Praise her! Praise the Savior of France! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!"
"""Hallelujah! Saint of Fists, Hallelujah!"""
"Stop with the 'fists' thing—! I mean, put me down—!!"
"Hallelujah!"
"Mash! Let's join in!"
"Yes, Senpai!"
The team rushed to join the tossing.
"Hmph. Another noisy saint, huh? This time, neither the Conqueror nor the Sun's chosen showed up."
Muttering, the figure rose from the throne and approached the summoning circle.
The contract was sealed with the Master, and the summoning circle activated.
Light burst forth, then converged.
And there stood…
"We meet again, my Gorgeous Majesty. Was it wise to use such a precious chance on someone like me?"
"No matter. You're a bold woman who dared challenge my Night Shackles. Too valuable to leave idle."
There she was.
"Thank you, splendid King. I do adore you."
—An unnamed wish, an unnamed salvation, now bearing fruit in tangible form.
"Here's to our future together. Vive la France!"
"No private duels. Sit and await your destiny."
"…Hmph."
"Ugh, beaten to the punch. No helping it. I'll wait a bit longer. Wanted to mess with that goldie, though…"
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