"You're lost, Medea! We only prepare clothes! Watching them dress with excitement is our duty as guardians! Yes to kids, no to touching! Have you forsaken even heroic pride, witch?!"
"I'm a witch! I don't care! I'll dress them in my creations, guiding them hand and foot! Without that, what's dressing up? What's a makeover? Don't make me laugh!"
"You—! You'll be the first I strike down!"
"Ha! Ready for my merciless young wife's dagger?"
"No mercy! I offer this to the twin gods!"
"I'll face you! Return all to the primordial chaos!"
"W-Wah!"
"Scary, so scary…"
""Help—!!""
"Here I come! Called for the Golden?!"
""Golden!""
"⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛—! (Enough already.)"
""Hercules—?!""
Oh, oppressor!
"Hero King, Hero King. We're nearing Gaul. Get ready."
Romani's voice stirred the vessel, lounging with legs crossed atop the floating Vimana.
The frontline of Gaul, where Nero's legitimate Rome clashed with the Servant-led United Roman Empire. Nero, rallying her troops, led her army alongside the Master's group to bolster morale.
The enemy general was a Servant. Even Nero's genius couldn't overcome a superhuman alone. Thus, the Master wielding Servants, Mash the guardian, and the Gorgeous Hero King joined the fray.
"Yawn—campaigns and marches are tedious. With just the Master, Mash, and Nero, Vimana would've sufficed."
"That's an army for you."
Vimana cruised at minimal speed, auto-mode, shadowing the marching Master below. Stealth mode, naturally—flawless.
"My concern is Chaldea's crew. Maintaining an army is the Emperor's job, not my burden to carry with my wealth."
I thought I should stay near the Master, but I chose an aerial vantage to catch ambushes.
"I don't favor grand armies. I'm no Conqueror wannabe."
"They're huge, sure. But you're not saying you can't handle it, right?"
"Obviously. If I wished, I'd summon a warship and arm an army with my riches. But this is about training the Master and Mash."
And, unlike the true Hero King, my nameless soul couldn't manage the selection in time.
"I'd wear out being shocked by you. Stay close to Ritsuka."
"Umu."
He rose and leapt from Vimana.
What battles await?
"Emperor Nero Claudius speaks! Hear me! Soldiers of Gaul, your efforts for me, my people, and Rome are commendable!" Nero's voice rang out at the Gaul encampment.
"I join your strength! With matchless generals, we cannot lose! Now, we reclaim our Rome!!"
""""Long live Emperor Nero—!""""
The troops roared.
Her charisma—roses blooming for all.
"…That's it? Speech done?" Ritsuka blinked.
"Thought it'd be sharper, like Gil's."
"Haha, compared to me, it's pitiable. But her effort's endearing—listen graciously," Gilgamesh chuckled.
"Hero King aside… incredible charisma. This is Nero at her peak…" Mash marveled.
"Yet, oddly, such a beloved emperor's later years…" Romani trailed off.
Nero's end was far from splendid. Shunned by her people, exiled, she took her own life with a dagger, unable to flee.
Even this radiant, beloved rose emperor met an unhappy fate.
Does love not last forever?
"Enough grim talk! It'll dampen morale! Servant signatures detected—make contact!"
Snapped back to focus. Right. Questions later. Focus now.
"Yeah, now—"
"You're Nero's guest generals?" a warm, enveloping voice cut in.
"Interrupted again…" Romani sighed.
"Don't sulk, it's normal—You are?" Gilgamesh asked.
"Sorry, sorry. I'm Boudica, fighting for Nero—oh, she's not here?"
Boudica. Unfamiliar name. Large chest, red hair, gentle aura.
"Nero's over there…" Mash pointed.
"You—Avenger class?" Gilgamesh probed.
Is that so?
"…No, Rider. Sharp, aren't you?" Boudica smiled.
"Ha! Anyone would guess, knowing your name, ancient Britannian queen," Gilgamesh said.
Unknown to me, but not to the vessel.
"I'm not here for that. I fight to protect," Boudica said. "Being so blunt won't win ladies' hearts, you know."
"Ha! I don't give women choices. I make them turn to me. That's my way of love," Gilgamesh retorted.
If they even notice you, they'll turn. If you're in their sights.
"But, Gil! The Knight King!" Ritsuka blurted.
"Don't. It hurts," Gilgamesh winced.
"Sorry, Boudica-san…" Mash apologized.
"Haha, it's fine. No Nero? Good. I'm a Servant, summoned here. And this big guy…" Boudica gestured.
"Oppressor," a man muttered, brimming with joy.
"Huh?" Ritsuka blinked.
"I've found you, met you—your grandeur, your gaze, your radiance!"
A towering man, scarred, pale, trembling with glee, wore a radiant smile.
"Spartacus?!" Boudica exclaimed.
"You—the ultimate oppressor! The pinnacle!!"
The giant, brimming with resolve, pointed a sword at Gilgamesh.
"Nero should've vetted her heroes better…" Gilgamesh muttered.
He's aiming at me!
"My love, my life—offered to you!! My joy, my vigor, here!!"
He charged!
"To embrace you—Golden Oppressor!!"
"Hmph."
That man…
Was MUSCLE!!
"As a Greek, I apologize, Olga Marie."
"⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛ (Keep decorum. Don't trouble Chaldea. No private fights.)"
"Sorry…"
"As a sacrifice, do as you please."
"N-No, not that far…"
"Look at this headband! Golden and pretty, right?"
"Cute!"
"Like a fairy-tale ⚪-san!"
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