The Inner Sea of the Planet, the Reverse Side of the World.
In this timeless space, there lies a hidden realm forever blooming with flowers.
[Avalon].
The homeland of fairies, accessible only to the sinless.
Of course, it's not just fairies here… Kings, dragons, nightmares, Ladies of the Lake, and sometimes even the fleeting glimpse of a certain purple-haired old lady.
"You're back, King?"
"Did you enjoy your journey?"
The magus atop the tower smiled and waved, welcoming Artoria's return.
... Of course, this was merely a facade.
Though the magus and the king shared a decent relationship, once even akin to master and disciple, expecting this emotionally oblivious magus to go out of his way to greet a king who'd merely been out for a couple of days… that was giving their bond far too much credit.
Fortunately, Artoria knew this well and wasn't disappointed.
"It was decent."
Artoria said expressionlessly, her drooping ahoge betraying her true feelings... she wasn't happy at all.
"There weren't the scenes I imagined, fighting side by side with knights."
"The enemies weren't as… well, formidable as I expected."
Artoria chose her words carefully.
In short, this journey to the mortal world hadn't been satisfying.
... But what could be done?
"That's just the job of a Heroic Spirit."
"No matter how it plays out… as long as the goal is achieved, there's nothing more to say."
The magus's words slightly eased Artoria's frustration... but then, the sharp-witted ahoge sensed something even more surprising:
"You look like… you're heading out?"
"Yeah, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, just strange... I thought you were the type to lock yourself in this tower for life."
"Well, your words are tempting… but no choice. This time, it's a dire situation, so even a lazy guy like me has to step up as a world-saving hero."
"Also, send my regards to that former divine being... maybe at a critical moment, I'll be counting on Their help."
The magus's body dissolved into motes of magical light, vanishing from this fragrant, hidden realm.
It was the sign of his "summoning."
And almost at the same moment, a resonant dragon's roar echoed through the world.
Unlike the sulky ahoge, Alaric, clearly having had a blast, soared through the sky... swooping low, stirring the ground's petals into a spectacular pink sea of flowers.
... Seeing his smug demeanor, Artoria narrowed her eyes, as if plotting something.
But then.
"Forget it."
She sighed, her face showing resignation.
This was the dragon she'd picked up... what could she do?
…
It was a brief interlude.
Like tossing a pebble into a deep pond, it caused a few ripples before calm returned.
For this near-eternally tranquil paradise, it was no big deal.
But seeing Alaric's return, Viviane was visibly excited... she ran up to him, asking about everything, curious about the outside world.
This made Alaric realize that in this eternal paradise, there was someone who didn't quite belong.
... She hadn't come here on her own.
To be precise, she was brought here, bound by her role as a "servant" Alongside Alaric.
She had the qualifications to enter this ideal land, but that didn't mean she belonged in this garden. Deep down, she yearned for the outside world... though she herself seemed unaware of it.
Since Alaric noticed, he decided to help her.
"Divine being, why'd you bring me here?"
This was the edge of the world, the top of the Radiant Tower.
From here, the beautiful sea of stars stretched endlessly before them.
"Well, it's certainly beautiful and grand."
"Okay, divine being, you can take me down now... honestly, it's pretty cold up here."
"Wait? Go down on my own... what does that mean?"
"Hey, divine being, don't mess with me… ah... !!!!"
A piercing scream rang out.
It lasted so long it startled the entire Inner Sea of the Planet.
And the woman who leaped from the top of the Radiant Tower became an enduring legend in the Reverse Side of the World... boldness like that was unheard of.
…
Five minutes later, the woman's screams faded.
The beautiful garden returned to silence.
Alaric settled into this world for the time being, living days "without seasons or years."
He enjoyed watching the lively fairies, occasionally spotting the bickering red dragon sisters or the visiting mentor of heroes.
No doubt, he was resting, savoring this leisurely time.
But few knew he was also waiting.
Lying on the flower-strewn grass, eyes half-closed, he waited patiently.
One month, two months, three months… who knew how much time had passed?
When a refreshing, humid breeze suddenly blew through the paradise, Alaric knew the one he'd been waiting for had arrived.
"Hehe... "
A door suddenly appeared in Avalon.
On the other side was a golden beach and a vast, boundless ocean.
The tides ceaselessly lapped at the shore, making a "whooshing" Sound... like the joyful laughter of children.
And on the other side of the door, a cute little head wearing a silver headband peeked out cautiously.
"What, not busy?"
Alaric flicked his tail, welcoming the little girl from the other side.
"It's summer now, so I'm not busy."
"I only get busy in winter."
The girl pointed proudly at the reindeer on the beach and the ribbons tied to the flagpole.
After everything she'd been through... she was now a Santa Claus beloved by children!
"Oh, Santa Claus, huh."
"That's a great job."
"Only needing to work one day a year."
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