"…Learning's great, but I want to do something too," the Hero Princess murmured. "I can't just keep relying on others…"
"Hm?" Her gaze fell on a book: 'Ballroom Dancing: Dresses and Etiquette.'
"…Dancing…" A spark lit in her eyes. "That's so girly!"
The Princess and the Beast—Wow! You're a Friend who's great at wiping out primates!
"Fou, grab that wrench over there!" she called.
It was 5:30 a.m. In the quiet room, the Hero Princess and Fou worked together.
"Here ya go!" Fou tossed the wrench.
"Thanks," she said, catching it deftly and resuming her task.
What was she fixing? The Gilgil Machine, a bike wrecked in the battle against Jack the Ripper. Lacking technical know-how, she relied on her body's Clairvoyance and deft hands to diagnose what was broken, how it was broken, and how to fix it, wielding the wrench and tools with precision.
Selecting treasures and maintaining them was her role. A broken treasure demanded her care.
"I'll make you good as new, Gilgil Machine," she said, patting it. "We'll ride together again."
(You're really attached to it, huh? Fixing it so lovingly—I'm almost jealous!) Fou teased.
She chuckled. "I love bikes. They let me feel the thrill of racing through the world."
This Gilgil Machine holds a special place in her heart.
It was the first treasure she claimed in the first Singularity.
(Heh, got it. Gotta fix it right, then. Oh, and I delivered your fan letter, so don't worry!)
"Thanks… but was it okay?" she asked, hesitating.
She'd signed the letter 'Gilgamesh' at Fou's suggestion. Should she have gone with 'Anonymous' instead?
(You can't give that writer any trace of you. That was my call.)
"…Of me?" she echoed, puzzled.
Fou continued. (Your existence is a trump card, like me. A key to breaking through certain beings. So, we keep you hidden. You never know what scum's spying with Clairvoyance. When you're in this form, I tweak things so you're unseen.)
"You've been protecting me?" she asked softly.
(Of course. We're friends.)
…
For a moment, she understood why Fou might vanish with a satisfied smile…
(Your soul's strong but fragile. Blasphemous interference? Not on my watch. I've coated you for protection. Now, the important part—why the name?) Fou cleared his throat dramatically. (To stay unknown. Even a fan letter's name could identify you. If that shota-geezer got a whiff of your essence, he'd pinpoint you instantly. Your existence would be exposed, and he'd grill you.)
"…"
(Write 'Anonymous,' and he'd wonder: where's this reader? Why hide? Who are they? That curiosity won't stop. He'd track you down. He's the type to sniff you out with no clues.)
Fou pressed on, thinking two, three steps ahead.
('Hero Princess'? Way too obvious. He'd connect you to someone linked to him. With how chummy they are, he'd dig for answers: 'What's this Hero Princess? Who wrote this?')
"Fou…" she whispered.
(I'm not saying he'd betray you. But questions breed discord, and curiosity will hound you.)
(Could you withstand that innocent interrogation?)
She shook her head slowly.
(Exactly. You should only be known when you choose to be. I won't forgive anyone who tries to harm or define your boundless potential.)
Fou hopped onto her shoulder.
(Your existence is yours alone. To fulfill the Princess's wishes and your own, 'Gilgamesh' was the best choice. Everyone just thinks, 'Well, it's Gilgamesh.' And…)
Fou snickered mischievously.
(That writer's shocked, flailing reaction was the best show ever! Oh, I saw something hilarious! And the fact he wrote such a polite letter? Priceless! I'll show you later—it's cover material for the adventure log!)
"Oh, you…" She gave a wry smile, petting Fou's head. "I've got a prankster for a friend."
(Pets take after their owners, right? It's all that shut-in jerk's fault!)
Fou let out a growl no mascot should make.
"Whoa, easy, easy," she soothed, stroking him.
(Hmph, almost went Beast mode… Hug me! Hug meee!)
"Alright, repairs are done," she said, scooping Fou up.
(This Chaldea adventure log might be all about you…)
"Won't that flop? I'd feel bad for the King…" she worried.
(What?! It'd sell out at 5,000 Mana Prisms! Your actions are worth that much! If it doesn't, I'll buy every copy and murder the non-buyers.)
"Really…? Well, this form is gorgeous. It'll be a hit."
A vessel hailed as supreme art. A photo book would sell out. She'd want one herself.
…Though if this were the true Hero King's soul, some might be disappointed.
(No, it's perfect because it's you.)
"…Really?"
(I guarantee it. You, the Hero Princess, are amazing because it's you.)
"…Th-thanks…" she mumbled, blushing.
She's embarrassed. For an unnamed soul… what a smooth-talking friend.
(Heh, no photos of that shy face. My privilege alone! Woo!)
"Please, it's embarrassing…"
(Yup, yup. Don't worry—I'll swat away any rude hands reaching for you. Do what you want, freely.)
Fou puffed out his chest.
(You're too pure and selfless to be called a Princess. Be a bit selfish! I'll grant most of your whims.)
"No," she said firmly.
(Huh?)
"I've got precious comrades, a friend who cares deeply, and a King who gave this wonderful body to a mere soul. How could I ask for more?"
She petted Fou gently. "No matter how often I say it, the gratitude never fades. You taught me that."
(…)
"Thanks, always, Fou—"
(…Tch.)
"Nope, no vanishing!" she teased, ruffling his head.
(You read me…! Fine, I'll sneak off later. Only you could defeat a Beast like me. I'm the strongest primate, you know!)
"Really?"
(Yup. Quality, quantity—I'm the best. Even he might not beat me at full power.)
"Wow…!" The mascot's the strongest? Amazing, Fou!
(Not just a perv, you know… Well…)
Fou nuzzled into her chest.
(I'm happy to be defeated by you.)
"How many times have I won?" she laughed.
(Lost count.)
"Me too. …Done!"
Combining stored materials and parts, the Gilgil Machine was reborn. Its shine was brighter, its engine's roar heartier, pulsing like a heartbeat.
(Anonymous! Morning! Morning!)
"Oh no!" she gasped. "Right!"
"Off, off!" She scrambled to shut off the engine.
"Phew…"
(Love bikes?)
"Yeah, I adore them. When the world's at peace, let's go touring together."
(…)
"Fou?"
(You got it. I'll prep a rider suit. My seat's right here.)
Fou wriggled into her chest.
"You really love that spot," she sighed.
(No one hates it!)
"Guess not… Wanna eat something?"
(Meat pie!)
"Got it. Look forward to it."
Their peaceful moment was cut short.
"Gil! You up?!" The Master's voice rang out.
She set Fou down, snapping her left fingers.
In an instant, the 'Princess' became the 'King.'
"What's the matter?!" she—he—called.
"Sorry for the early wake-up! Can you come downstairs?!"
"Such haste! An enemy attack?!"
"Something like that… maybe?"
"Speak clearly! You dare rush a King—explain!"
Donning armor and stowing the Gilgil Machine, he prepared.
"Uh, yeah! A Servant—!"
A Servant?
"A Servant showed up! Someone named Paracelsus, super pretty!"
What…?!
"No one surrenders at this timing," the King said, grinning. "Let's see what scheme brings them before us. Finally, a mongrel with spine in this pointless Singularity!"
Who could they be…?
With questions swirling, the King left the room.
"…I never expected one of the masterminds to show up in person," someone said.
"Indeed, quite a surprise, I imagine," the newcomer replied. "Allow me to introduce myself."
"…Shady," Mordred muttered.
"Yeah, should we just kill him?" another agreed.
"Quiet," came a sharp rebuke.
"I am Van Hohenheim Paracelsus. Call me P," the figure said smoothly.
"Who are you, exactly?" the King demanded.
"I am a doer of evil," Paracelsus replied. "One destined to be felled by righteous heroes like you—"
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