A Farcical Interlude: The Demon Pillars' Lament
"What was the Unified Control Bureau doing! Impeach them! Impeach them! Impeach them! For us Demon Pillars to fall behind a mere single Heroic Spirit is a clear design flaw—!"
"What is that?"
"It seems he's been intensely♂♀ violated in the lavatory, hasn't he... Ah, what must it be like? To be killed along with the entire world..."
"Impeach them! Impeach them! Impeach them!"
"So loud. Can I turn him into mincemeat?"
"No, no. Please allow me to soothe such a heartbroken soul. ...Lord Zepar?"
"Impeach them... hm?"
"Won't you please... unleash your passionate fury upon me?"
"――――――"
"Hey, Hagenti, you there?"
"W-What is it...?"
"I want to make pancakes with Ea. Become the ingredients."
"T-The intent of your question—"
"Become them."
"—A premonition of the world's end...—"
"As long as it feels good! ♥♥ As long as it feels good! ♥ As long as it feels good! ♥♥"
"That's it, Lord Zepar. Please leave all your stress and anxieties to me...♥"
"Oohh!! ♥ N-oohh!! ♥"
『Alright, I'm gonna Primate Murder you~! Don't move, or your suffering will just drag on~!』
"Why only meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee—!!!!!"
『Pancakes』
"Yosh! I'm gonna eat them with Ea!"
"Woah (so disgusted)"
London Epilogue 2/3: The Troupe Without Tragedy
As the Singularities draw to a close and the time for Rayshift approaches, the group spends their remaining moments as they wish.
Due to the World Grail absorbing all of the Singularities, immediate correction isn't possible.
—In the brief time they were granted, everyone spent it as they pleased.
"Jyunbi yoshi. Wasuremono wa arimasen." (Preparation complete. No forgotten items.)
Frankenstein, laden with a mountain of bags and equipped, strikes a triumphant pose.
"Alright, don't cause trouble for everyone at Chaldea, Fran."
...To cut to the chase, Fran was to be taken into Chaldea's custody.
"I entrust Fran to you, Heroic King. Please look after the memento of my sworn friend, Victor."
"Hmph, those who set foot in paradise are promised the pleasures of all creation. Your worries will all end in needless anxiety. You may leave the rest to me."
The reason for this was her extreme modification. Fran's body had been too thoroughly improved, making it a potential source of a new distortion if left behind.
If she were to transform into a new Singularity, they would have to defeat Fran. To prevent such a future, Super Fran would receive Chaldea's protection.
"One must take responsibility for their pet to the very end. Let us tame this overly lazy large dog, shall we?"
"Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. Ja-kyi kudasai." (Please take care of me. Jerky, please.)
"...Well, it is the fate of a fumble. It's too much bother to rewrite her personality now. Flaws are also virtues. It is the king's magnanimity to accept them with a laugh."
Fran leaps for the jerky tossed her way.
"Yay!"
"Hmph. Truly a dog, isn't she. Though she has more charm than the hounds of my Clan."
『I can hear you, Goldie.』
"Of course. I said it so you would hear."
"Fran, I... I'm sorry."
Mordred lowers her eyes, looking apologetic.
"If I hadn't messed up, you might have had a slightly better personality."
"Indeed. Reflect on your actions. And then sink into the abyss of the underworld to retrieve the elixir of immortality and return."
"I don't care about your epic right now!!"
"Arigato." (Thank you.)
From Fran's lips came gratitude.
"Mo-dred-do no okage de, Fran wa yukai na seikaku ni naremashita. Daradara, tanoshikatta desu. Arigato." (Thanks to Mordred, Fran became a cheerful person. It was fun just lazing around. Thank you.)
"Fran..."
"Mo-dred-do wa. Kakkoii kishi deshita. Fran wa Mo-dred-do wo wasuremasen." (Mordred was a cool knight. Fran won't forget Mordred.)
"...Yeah! Take care!"
"Oya ni shio ni saretemo, ganbatte kudasai." (Even if your parent salts you, please do your best.)
"Shut up!"
"Hey, the priceless emotional scene is fine, but do something about this!"
The one seeking help is Andersen.
"What is it, fairytale writer? Did you drop your manuscript? A writer who doesn't meet deadlines, a writer who takes hiatuses, is not needed in my atelier. Break your pen immediately."
"Who would make such a rookie mistake? I'm talking about your young lady!"
—Did something happen to Mashu?
"Andersen-san! Don't look away! Listen, when we were surrounded by Shadow Pirates in Okeanos, it was the Heroic King's giant battleship that saved us—"
Looking over, Mashu is excitedly recounting something to Andersen.
"I made the mistake of listening to your adventures and now this! He won't listen to a person's complaints, not even as much as an editor before a deadline! The story is too preposterous to believe! A poorly written entertainment novel would have more realism than this! Do something about your fan!"
"Mashu, tell him about the ravages of a Reality Marble."
"Yes! Iskandar-san's Army of the King against the Demon Gods—"
"—I was foolish. I whimsically tried to write about your adventures and this is what I get. I absolutely abhor having praise poured into my ears! It's a lesson not to do things that aren't my style! How utterly ridiculous!"
"Loose lips sink ships. You've learned from your avid reader, it seems."
"Ah, truly! ...Tch, take it."
He takes the roughly tossed book.
"I've written down the series of incidents in London. Put it in some corner of your library."
—Could it be that he was being chased by a deadline...?
"You are truly incapable of speaking your mind plainly. If you wanted to make us your subject, you should have said so first."
"Fool. Who would ever make such a troublesome subject as you? You were the only ones! The only ones with such vivid personalities suitable for a subject!"
—He could understand that himself.
The story of the King and those who surrounded him must be brilliant and dazzling.
"Fuhahahahaha! Very well! If it is a book that adorns the King, I shall store it in a corner of my treasury! You've done good work! Was not your forte sharp wit and human observation!"
"Hmph. You're quite the motormouth yourself, Gilgamesh. I pray I never see you again after this."
"Then let's take a five-minute break and—"
"Stop! I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown!"
"Just lay down. You'll be more comfortable."
"I wouldn't call a life of hospital food 'comfortable'! You insufferable, tasteless King!"
"Fuhahahahaha! It simply means that my genius is beyond the comprehension of mere mortals! But well, it is fine! You had some skill, fairytale writer!"
"You too. It was far from boring. I witnessed the exploits of the first man to become a story in humanity."
...The eccentric writer and the cheerful King exchanged conversation and glances.
It was truly... the atmosphere of old friends.
"Rikka, please accept this."
Raikou hands the sword from her left hip to Rikka.
"Mother, this...!"
"Yes. 'Doujikiri Yasutsuna'—my sole companion that I have wielded as the head of the Minamoto clan, my other half. —I entrust it to you as a guardian sword."
Raikou smiles gently, a mother's vow.
"Within this lies a mother's feelings for her child. It will surely grant you strength and connect our bond."
"I-I can't accept it, Mother! Because this is your precious, precious...!"
"Yes, yes. My other half, my friend. But to entrust it to you, your mother has no hesitation whatsoever."
Slowly, the mother embraces Rikka.
"For the protection of 'my beloved child,' your mother will gladly throw everything away. Please remember this, Rikka."
"Ah—"
"To a mother, there is nothing more important than her child. Even if it is my other half. I will gladly bestow my other half upon my child who continues to fight, making it a bond to meet you. That is a mother's resolve, a mother's heart."
She pulls her close.
"Good. Don't forget. There is no one... more important to me than 'you'."
"—Mother."
"Yes."
"We'll definitely, definitely... meet... again, won't we..."
"Yes. If you do not let go of that sword."
"I won't let go. I won't let go. ...So, Mother."
"Yes."
"Please... hug me... again."
"Yes. I am your mother, after all."
"—This sword... I will cherish it, truly cherish it..."
"If you do that, your mother will be rewarded. Keep it close to you, and your mother will protect you."
"—Yes! Thank you! I love you! Mother!"
She hugs her back tightly, strongly.
"At Chaldea, we'll definitely meet again!"
"Of course. Please take care of Kintoki, Rikka."
Even without a blood connection. Even if abyss and madness sang of love.
The 'bond' of mutual love certainly connected the two of them.
"Ah~... I'd like to say my goodbyes too, you know..."
"Give it up. It's obvious you'll be coming to my Chaldea anyway."
—Please get along with Cat, Tamamo-san.
"Kyafuuunnn!! ♥♥♥"
Tamamo stiffens, then slumps to the ground.
"How disgusting, what are you?"
"I-Impossible...! Why? ♥ Why...? ♥ Just being spoken to felt like experiencing an electric shock several thousand times over! Tamamo-chan is getting all tingly! ♥ My one tail was instantly subdued by the overflowing pure aura! ♥ She was! ♥ Kyaaan! ♥"
"...Struck by my soul, were you? I suppose I'll summon you to Chaldea and dispose of you immediately. I will not forgive anything, not even the world, that dares to touch my soul. You shall experience a punishment incomparable to any Holy Grail."
The vessel coldly stares down at Tamamo, who is slumped and breathing heavily, then irritably pushes her aside.
—They seem like they'll get along. If they understand the Heroic King's charm, I'll be happy too. I'm confident I could talk about it for at least three days without running out of topics.
"Now! The moment of parting draws near! Let us capture this instant that connects the curtain of tragedy to a comedic future! Yes! A camera, you see! Yes! In other words—"
"Do you want to die?"
"It seems you won't let me finish speaking, even at the very end! But I thank you! Somewhere, you certainly wove my words!"
"Between heaven and earth, there is a philosophy beyond your imagination, is that it? Fuhahahahaha! That means me! I like it because it implies that all creation, all phenomena, are unpredictable! Not bad, playwright!"
"Right! I know right! Now!! It seems the camera has arrived!"
"You're back, Gil."
Artoria, looking sullen, brings the camera.
"Hmph. Is the modification complete? Artoria."
"I did it properly. Here."
She tosses it over.
"...You're in a bad mood. Did I do something to annoy you? I don't recall."
"I heard. It seems you passed through the jaws of death."
—!
"I... I wish you had taken me with you. I could have shown you the power of true Saber ninja arts."
Artoria pouts and turns away.
—Now he understands.
She is... sulking because she was left out.
"..."
"It's fine. I'm just Artoria who thinks of herself as a Saber anyway. It's perfectly fine to be left out. I was always ostracized at the Round Table. I'm the ideal King, after all."
Artoria turns her face away, huffing.
"I'm not... lonely at all."
"—..."
—In times like these, there's only one thing to do.
"...Honestly."
He pulls her close.
"Wah!?"
Snap, he takes a two-shot with Artoria.
"Hmph, it's quite well-taken, isn't it?"
The image of the vessel with a cruel yet amused smile and Artoria's surprised face, caught off guard, develops instantly.
"What are you doing, Gil!"
"You really are earnest at heart, aren't you? You meticulously carried out the camera customizations I instructed."
"What are you—!"
"My apologies."
"Eh...?"
Artoria is dumbfounded by the immediate apology.
"I left you behind because I was diligently exterminating filth that would contaminate you just by looking at it. Unnecessary dirt doesn't suit you. And cleaning is a bother."
"W-What are you...!"
"But seriously. To be so easily caught off guard by me. To call yourself an Assassin is laughable."
He snorts, laughing it off.
"The Artoria I know is the finest Servant. Therefore, she could be nothing but a Saber."
"—!"
Artoria gasps.
"Here, have a candy. Cheer up, we're taking a picture. I'll permit you to stand beside me. Come on, do you intend to stand beside me with such a sulky face?"
He gently pulls her cheek.
"Ith hurtth! I'll thcream!"
"You're getting into it now. That's more like Artoria."
"—Where did you learn how to sweet-talk someone?"
"Hmph, why. Something happened that made me want to hum a tune, you see. I could easily sweet-talk one or two Artorias."
"—Next time."
"Hm?"
She adjusts her cap with a snap.
"No matter what deadly battle... please take me with you. The strongest Gorgeous needs the strongest Saber by his side, don't you think?"
"—Hmph. Protect yourself."
"I'll use you as a shield if push comes to shove! Fair and square!"
"Hmph! You'll diligently take care of the small fry and clear the way, then! A Saber's job is to mow the lawn!"
"No! A Saber's job is to sweep things away with a beam!"
"Why not just call yourself a Beamer instead of a Saber! Those who actually wield swords would be nothing but fools! I cannot help but shed tears!"
"There's no Saber that doesn't shoot beams!"
—Their usual dynamic has returned.
Yes. Being good friends is the best.
"Gil! Artoria! Taking the picture now!"
"Come on, Artoria, let's go."
"Honestly. I suppose I'll forgive you. When we get back, it's food and snacks!"
The two walk side by side.
"Then the shutter will be pressed by this Arthur Pendragon."
"Ow! Ow! Father! Don't kick me!"
"My apologies, my foot just slipped."
"Mother, hug Mashu and me!"
"Yes, like this?"
"We're going to be your daughters!!"
"Senpai!?"
"A grand finale, is it? Not funny at all. I might have been torn limb from limb if things went wrong..."
"I have an intuition! There is absolutely no room for tragedy in the Star-Gazing Troupe led by the cheerful King! I am confident!"
"Tamamo, you too! My Tamamo too!"
"Rikka-samaaaaah!! ♥♥♥♥ Please accept me—!! ♥♥♥"
"Fran, ga-tsupo."
"Guh!?"
"Ah, Jekyll. Sorry."
"I-It's fine, it's fine... I'm content to be the only uncool one."
"Gil, come closer."
"I'm going to be out of the center!"
"I won't be in the shot!"
"Heh, modesty can be a problem too!"
(Is it okay if I'm on your shoulder, Ea?)
—Of course. Let's be in the picture together.
"Annoying! I'll do this!"
"Kyaah!?"
"Hehe. Okay, cheese!"
—A picture with the friends from London.
In the center, Artoria held in a princess carry, and the Heroic King, laughing joyfully, were captured.
"What were you thinking, suddenly picking me up like that! You're so forceful!"
"It can't be helped. You're so petite that our gazes don't meet."
"My growth has merely stopped! —Gil, I've decided."
"Hm?"
"I'm changing my goal. All other Sabers are irrelevant now."
"What, abandoning your identity? Vanishing from the Throne?"
"I will aim to become the strongest Saber and prove you wrong for underestimating me!"
"—"
"Just you watch, Gil. I, Artoria, whom you called Saber—will definitely become the undefeated, super Saber of East, West, North, South, and Center!"
"—Is that so. Work hard, then. If I feel like it, I might even give you a word of praise."
"Yes. —So."
"?"
She pulls her cap back into place.
"—From now on, please take care of me, Gil."
"...Shall we have a meal at Chaldea, Artoria?"
"Yes! I desire Artorium!"
"It's growing out of your head already. Just pluck it off and eat it."
"This is different!!"
—Being good friends is a good thing, isn't it, Fou.
(Just like you and me!)
Yeah! Now, let's return to Chaldea!
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