"Indeed. She was trampled by Rome. In every sense of the word. In return, she burned Roman cities and slaughtered everyone—men, women, and children alike. Due to the shackles of her Class, that side of her isn't showing its face right now... but she, too, is one who has tasted the beast-like nature of humanity. The sheer scale of that agony is likely beyond measure."
—The beast-nature... of humanity...
It was a glimpse of a tragedy from the past. A side of history's sorrow that pervades the world.
—But, she came here in her Rider aspect. I believe her compassion is not a lie—that there is more to her than just vengeance.
Ea felt a deep respect for the hero who had overcome such tragedy to lend her strength to humanity.
"That is fine. Remember that tragedy exists. This, too, is a form of 'joy' you must come to know."
—Yes, King of Heroes.
I'll read up on Boudica's legend later, Ea vowed, clutching her ring.
"...Hm? Ahaha, being stared at like that by a King makes me blush. Is there something weird about me?"
"Put some pants on."
He stated it bluntly. She was exposed. Very exposed. In many ways.
"Ah! W-Well, you see...! Sorry, I'll go change! I look forward to working with you all!"
Having been called out, Boudica scurried out of the summoning chamber.
"I feel like I could get along with her as a mother..."
"Isn't that nice, Rikka? Your collection of mothers is growing."
"Mothers aren't really supposed to 'grow' in numbers... no, whatever! Next! Next!"
"You got it!"
Da Vinci-chan gave the circle a spirited spin. The journey of new encounters continued.
"Now then, I care not for the strength of the coming hero. If possible, I'd prefer someone amusing. So long as they aren't the type to repeat Rayshifts just for a prank."
The Heroic Spirit who answered the King's call was...
"Yahoo! I'm Astolfo! I'm a total bottom-tier hero, but nice to meetcha! Everyone, let's shout it together! Astol-Fou! Just kidding!"
The Rider with evaporated sanity—Jeanne's rival (in a heroine sense)—Astolfo, had entered the paradise.
"Everyone! Congrats on restoring the Human Order! Yeah, yeah! Amazing! You did so well! Great! Super! Strong!"
Astolfo shook everyone's hand, grinning with a snaggletooth. His behavior was the definition of innocent and carefree. Combined with his lovely appearance, he was undeniably cute.
"————"
Muniel stood up from his seat in silence.
"...Muniel?"
—On that day, he met his destiny—
"What was that dramatic framing just now...?"
Olga Marie stared in confusion at Muniel, who was frozen in a 'Guts Pose' of silent triumph.
"You're the Master, right? Whoa, your body is so stiff! You're totally buff!"
"Uugh!!"
"Don't you wear warrior clothes? Or maybe some cute outfits? They'd definitely suit you!"
"Guh...!!"
"Well, I'm gonna go check out paradise! Bye-bye! Wow, it's so fancy in here~!"
Astolfo exited as noisily as he had arrived. Everyone turned sympathetic gazes toward the Master, who was currently collapsing onto one knee.
"—This is hard. So... very hard."
"Hang in there, Rikka..."
"Senpai! I'm with you to the end, Senpai!"
With their support, Rikka staggered to his feet.
—She was quite the energetic girl, wasn't she?
(That was a guy.)
—WHAAAAT!!?
Even though he's that cute?! Ea was hit with a shock second only to the time she figured out the King's fighting style.
"His direct combat prowess isn't worth mentioning, but as a support, he is top-tier. He possesses numerous troublesome support-type Noble Phantasms. Quite suited for Chaldea or a Holy Grail War... What is it, Ea?"
—Gender... is a very free concept, isn't it, Gil?
"Hmph. You'd know that just by looking at Enkidu, wouldn't you? As long as it is beautiful, male or female is perfectly fine. All-okay!"
The King laughed merrily. Bisexuality is a constant in civilization. Most people in mythology are bi. (Andersen is a virgin, though.)
"Now, I predict the next hero will also be someone with high 'feminine charm.' What say you?"
"Personally, I'd like to see more geniuses I can talk shop with... but alas, Michelangelo's character design hasn't been commissioned yet."
"I'd personally prefer someone with a merchant's spirit~. Someone who doesn't give up, doesn't buckle, moves forward, and gets things done~."
(...I happen to know someone who is refreshingly cool and yet horrifyingly trashy.)
—Fou?
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