"Golden King! Golden King!"
"Hm? What is it? What's happening?"
"Master! Master took a bite of cake, then keeled over, and her eyes are half-open, Master is—!!"
"Speak clearly! Summarize your points and converse properly!"
"Master is dead!!"
"You've gone straight to the core, you fool—!!"
Prologue: Cast the Cute One into Hell
"Golden King! Hurry! Master, Master...!"
Summoned by Jeanne Alter's desperate cries and Olga Marie's urgent summons, Gilgamesh rushed to the Master's room.
"What is this commotion! So noisy! I constantly preach to always maintain composure and be gorgeous in all things—"
"Master—has stopped moving!"
This is...!
The Master was lying on the bed, staring into space, a fork still clutched in her right hand.
"What new kind of sweet did you feed her, you fiend! Why would you let someone eat it without even a taste test?! Was it my mistake to assume you weren't some terrible cook-heroine!? Why would one offer one's own cooking to their beloved without even tasting it themselves, I cannot fathom! Is it not proper etiquette to finish it yourself before offering it?!"
"Gil, calm down! Jeanne Alter is not involved!"
This is... like a state where her soul has been extracted... and an external force is at work on her body.
Could this possibly be—the work of Goetia's forces...?
"It's the Evil Eye, isn't it?"
Solomon—Romani, who had followed behind, immediately grasped the situation.
"It's a magecraft that curses the target through their gaze. It's an easy method of magical assassination, often used to eliminate enemy dignitaries at a conference table, you see."
"Romani..."
"Could it be the work of Goetia, without a doubt? Tsk—now that you mention it, he did curse me right before I sent my soul flying. To leave a curse amidst the chaos, how cunning he is."
—Her eyes are open, her body is functioning. Her mind isn't broken.
However, the soul that binds them together has been pulled out. These three are inherently inseparable; no matter how strong the body or mind, the vessel cannot function without a soul, however incomplete.
"An experienced voice speaks, eh? Now that you mention it, that was my most vulnerable point."
—Yes. Most likely, her soul is imprisoned. Somewhere not here—no, most likely...
"—That wretched, filthy tower, isn't it? Goetia, there's a limit to twisted tastes. Is that it? Cannot even converse properly if the body and mind are guarded?"
Gilgamesh's own experience proved useful. She—must be in that tower.
The embodiment of hell.
The place where he himself was cast.
The Tower where souls fall—the very manifestation of the prison he was thrown into.
"Yeah, this is definitely Goetia's doing. —Honestly. To resort to such methods just because he can't win directly. This is why people call him a small-fry."
He let out a sigh.
"――――Uwaaaaaah, what do I do!? What do I do!? Even if it's Ritsuka-kun, she can't be this defenseless with just her soul! She might be killed instantly! The soul is the most fragile and precious component of a human! To leave such a thing unattended is utterly insane! What do I do! What do I do! Damn it, why did I only take one ring! If I had five, I could've used half my magecraft! Aaah, it's no good—!"
"Calm down, Romani!"
Olga Marie sharply reprimanded the flustered Soloman.
"If you or I get agitated, it will spread like a wave to everyone! Panic last! Understood!?"
"Y-Yes! Director!"
"Good! —And what's with that outfit?"
Having caught her breath, she calmly pointed out his disgraceful appearance.
"Wha!? Oh, no, this is... it's like formal wear to resist the Queen's fervent invitations, or rather... because... well... the stimulus..."
"...Well, everyone has different tastes, I suppose. I've heard the historical Solomon was also inclined towards idolatry..."
"Please don't count me as some kind of mistake! I'll do my best! I'll do my best!"
Ignoring the duo's impromptu comedy routine, Gilgamesh checked Ritsuka's condition.
"Well!? Will she recover!?"
"—The tether of her soul is not severed. There should be no problem. The location where she was cast is also known. We can provide some assistance from here."
Hearing the King's words, a teary-eyed Jeanne sighed in relief.
"Thank goodness..."
—Is it possible to pull her back from here, like I was?
(—No, that was a feat only possible because your soul was pure white, you had a surge of adrenaline, and the connection between your vessel and soul was exceptionally strong. An experienced soul cannot replicate that. It would surely shatter.)
Fou, standing by the bedside, sniffing, conveyed this.
She herself was an exception, a special case. It wouldn't be the same this time.
—Tsk. Even if we know the location, we can't help her...! If that's the case, I'll have to again...!
"Calm yourself. Take a deep breath. Haste narrows the vision, and confusion clouds correct perception. Being the one involved is not the only solution. —You understand what I mean, yes?"
—Y-Yes. Calm down... inhale, exhale...
"That is good. Keep your head cool, and let your emotions burn in your heart. That is the mindset of an arbiter. Understood? Air."
—Yes, King of Heroes. That's right, if I act rashly, I'll become the very thing I'm trying to retrieve, and I'll waste the efforts of the King of Heroes and Fou. Calmly, from an objective perspective... right?
"Precisely. Those who listen are indeed good. It makes wielding the rod of instruction worthwhile."
—Fou, I'm sorry too. I'll be calm, okay?
(That's good. As he says, there's a way to deal with this. Since the location is known, we won't lose sight of her.)
Yes, thank you, she nodded.
At that moment—
"Master is..."
A slithering voice came from behind.
"Master... my child, is she safe?"
Concerned, her eyes clouded, it was Minamoto no Raikou who spoke. In her eyes—there was no light.
"To snatch away my child... even if I sever fingers, rip throats, crush entrails, gouge eyes, tear off noses, and cut out tongues, I still wouldn't be satisfied... What should I do? Retribution will be carried out, the net of heaven is vast and misses nothing. I will not forgive, I will not pardon. Yes, what should I do—that's right. Should I not decapitate them and use their head as an ornament for Chaldea? Kintoki would surely be pleased as well, as it would be the head of an avenged foe..."
She smoothly drew her blade—W-Wait!
"Master is safe. She will surely show you her smile again. These are my words, believe them. It is also a 'mother's' duty to await her child's return, is it not?"
—That's right! Master will definitely return! We will watch over her! So please, believe in your child, and in the King of Heroes—!
She pleaded desperately. The King's words quelled the mother's madness.
"—A mother's duty... Yes, I understand..."
And slowly, she sheathed her blade.
"I will... I will wait. I will wait for my child's return. Believing in her safety..."
Raikou placed a hand on her chest, speaking with an agonizing expression.
—The words 'mother's duty' worked! Thank goodness...!
(Monster parent so scary! Her eyes were saying, 'If you get in my way, I'll cut you down too!')
—Mothers in Japan are amazing!
"That is good. Prepare an embrace and a table to gather around."
"Yes! —If you uncover the culprit, please inform me. I would like to pay them a visit—yes, yes. Well then, everyone, Mother will take her leave—mm."
Before leaving, she kissed Ritsuka's cheek, then slowly exited the room.
" "..." "
"M-Mothers are scary, aren't they...? Why didn't you tell me, Gilles...?"
The Director and Soloman were pale. Jeanne Alter trembled, her eyes watery.
"Was it Kishimojin? Truly, that kind of thing. To commit all manner of evil for her child. Troublesome, as she herself is unaware of that murkiness and contradiction. ...Fuhaha, a good mother you have gained, Master."
—Japanese moms really are something, huh.
"Now then, let us proceed with countermeasures. First—"
Just as the King of Heroes was about to speak again, restoring order to the room—
"Hot!!"
Jeanne Alter let out a short shriek.
"What is it, did you burn yourself with your own fire? This is no time for self-destructive antics."
"N-No, it's not that! —It's like, this thing..."
Saying so, she pulled a single letter from her pocket.
The jet-black parchment glowed fiercely in Jeanne Alter's hand—
"That's—a summoning ticket, isn't it. Coordinates should be written on it. Most likely—the location where Ritsuka-kun is."
"Really!?"
"A summoning ticket... coordinates...! If we know the location and coordinates, can't we send a Servant there using the Rayshift principle!?"
—I see! If we can prove its existence, then a Servant...!
—But why did Jeanne receive the invitation?
"When did you get that? Quite a stylish invitation, isn't it?"
"I-I don't know. It's like it was just there, somehow... I just sort of had it, you know..."
"To hold dear a letter with no addressee... be careful of scams and bills. Moderate your 18-site surfing."
"Shut up! More importantly, if we have this, we can do something, right!? That's right, isn't it!?"
Jeanne pleaded desperately.
"Yes. With my and Gil's 'eyes,' we can observe. We don't know what's happening, so it's up to you to do your best..."
—She received an invitation, so there must be a reason for Jeanne to go!
"It's not that we can do something, it's that we will do something. —Are you ready, Jeanne Alter?"
The King's eyes glinted, fixing on Jeanne.
"Even if it is a pathetic struggle, Master is indeed trapped in hell. She must be forcefully woken up. Normally, that would be my duty, but if there's a prior engagement, I must yield. —Can you bear the great task of rescuing Master?"
"Of course I can!!"
Jeanne Alter answered instantly. There wasn't a speck of hesitation.
"I'll save her even if it kills me! My flag belongs to Master, and all my wrath and hatred are directed at whatever stands in Master's way! I've fought up until now—only for Master! I promised to follow her to the ends of hell!"
She clenched the invitation.
"My precious Master, the only one in the world who wished for me! —Of course I'm ready! Absolutely, absolutely! I will save her! Only I can be by her side—!!"
"—I also ask this of you."
Olga Marie also showed her concurrence.
"Her feelings are genuine. She has trained herself from the lowest spiritual foundation to this point, all for her Master. Isn't now the time for her efforts to bear fruit?"
—I agree. She declared she would follow to the ends of hell.
I stake my soul on the assertion that she is worthy of rescuing the Master trapped in hell!
"She'll bring light! Literally, with fire and stuff!"
"Romani, be quiet."
"Eek!"
"—Hmph. With such strong recommendations, I have no choice. I am the easily pleased King, after all. Very well! I bestow upon you this royal decree!"
He pointed a sharp finger.
"Jeanne d'Arc Alter! Stake your entire might on retrieving the imprisoned Master's soul! Failure is an unthinkable challenge, but I highly value your desperate struggle! Rome, Okeanos, London—you clung to Master, a hindrance you were!"
"Are you complimenting me!? Or picking a fight!?"
—I'm sorry, he truly evaluates you! It's an undeniable high evaluation!
(First insult style. I don't hate it.)
"But know that all that hardship was for this moment! I wager that you, who has experienced the fires of hell, can surely guide Master! Your flag—now is the time to wield it for Master!!"
"—Don't make me say it again!?"
Responding to her roar, the invitation burned away, turning into flames that enveloped Jeanne Alter.
Her hair grew long, and her armor transformed into a luxurious and beautiful dress-like form.
Her dazzling yet graceful, fierce and ominous appearance was truly befitting the name of 'Dragon Witch'—
"I am Jeanne Alter! The avenger who hates and rages against the world! If the world tries to take my Master—"
Flap, the dragon-emblazoned flag was raised.
"I'll burn the entire world to the ground and take my Master back! The world doesn't matter, simply put. If it tries to take away my fated Master, I will show no mercy! With my flames, I will burn everything to ash—!!"
—Roar, my wrath!
The other flame destined to burn down the prison tower was now established here.
"Good—Marie, Romani! Send her off with due care! I will take custody of Master's body!"
—If she remains bedridden, her physical functions will rapidly decline. Three days of inactivity would be fatal for a Pancration user.
Gilgamesh arranged for a capsule, identical to Mash's, the "Original of Protection," and simultaneously selected the "Original of Training," the "Simplest Trial, Bullworker," to aid in protecting the Master's body.
—Being the one involved isn't the only solution. Is that what you mean, King?
"Excellent. I will give you candy later."
—And for Fou's share too, if I may?
"It matters not. Hmm, it is truly 'cast the cute child into hell' rather than 'let the cute child travel,' is it not!"
—What a terrible phrase! And it's not wrong, which makes it even worse...! D-Don't give up, Master!
"Alright, I'll Rayshift Jeanne Alter-kun."
"Oh, you can do that?"
"Because I'm Solomon! I can guarantee a Rayshift will succeed for one person, no questions asked!"
"Whether you're Solomon or the Pissing King, just get on with it already!?"
"Y-Yes! Initiating Rayshift! Uhm—'The Hour of Vengeance Has Come, For She Wants Her Master Back!' is it!"
"I'll burn you to cinders, doctor—!!"
"Hee-hee, be careful~!!"
And so, Jeanne Alter runs. Becoming the flame of a doll.
"Wait for me, my Master! I will definitely, definitely pull you out of there—!"
Deep, deep into the depths of hell.
—With the flag of vengeance, and her beautiful long hair, fluttering—!
Chapter 3: The Sin of Envy
[Have you ever envied someone?]
That guy's first again.
So annoying, acting all prim and proper, like he only studies.
He's definitely cheating. He totally bribed the teachers or something.
Otherwise, it's impossible to be at the top every time, right?
The kid in class who lost to him was so pissed. He said, 'I lost to a cheater.'
So disgusting, why is that guy even at school?
He should just die—
[Have you ever knelt in defeat, facing talent, opportunity, or wealth you did not possess, and accepted that it could not be achieved?]
So annoying! Why do I lose to a guy like that!?
Doping, it's doping. He's definitely on drugs or something.
Ugh, that's so off-putting—he'll really do anything, won't he? So disgusting...
Aren't you ashamed? Caring so much about grades, being so desperate.
Is it like, 'I'm different from you guys,' huh?
...Hey, let's hide his gym shoes next time.
Ahaha! If he doesn't have shoes, he can't do sports, right!
Serves him right, nerdy doping girl—
[Have you ever shed tears, keenly feeling that the world is full of inequality, and therefore equality is precious?]
Huh? Shoes? Don't know.
Notebook? Oh, my bad, I threw it away as trash! You didn't write your name on it, did you! Didn't look, though!
So, like, don't come to school, you stink.
Seriously, just die, everyone would be happier that way.
[Do not answer, there is no need.]
No way, that guy, barefoot and all...!
No, it doesn't make sense! Why is that guy at the top again...! I burned all his notebooks and everything!
[Open your heart, do not avert your eyes. This is something everyone holds, and from which no one can escape.]
Damn it! Damn it! Why always him...!
Why can't I beat a guy like that...!?
...A guy like that...!!
[The one who envies, resents, and brings forth tears of regret in others.]
I'm better than him—!
I should be smarter—!!
[The Sin of Envy]
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