"My King! I have returned! What on earth... Hah!?"
" "
" "
"Sir Gawain, Sir Agravain...!?"
"Do not wake them. They are exhausted to the point of death."
"Geho, gaha...! Guh, damn it...! I was only kicked, yet my Spirit Origin is creaking...!"
"First, remove the anxiety of the people of the Holy City. I shall have you work as well, Lancelot."
"Y-Yes, sir—!"
[Chaldea]
"So I was there after all... me. Damn it, because it's me, I understand the meaning of that choice."
(He probably just wanted to 'dream of serving Father faithfully' for once... Idiot. Dreaming of a dream a Hero can never fulfill...)
"Modu, Modu."
"...What is it? Sorry, but I'm not in the mood to play right now..."
"You are you. The Modu over there is the Modu over there. There is no need, to worry."
"...You..."
"Thinking that way, makes it easier. I will cheer for, this Modu."
"—Hah, you idiot. For a lazy Fran, you sure are considerate—!"
"Even a nit, is useful sometimes."
"Heh, be useful all the time! Idiot!"
(—That is good, Mordred. It seems you can at least serve as a shield...)
[Wasteland]
"No, wait, wait wait wait! I wanted to summon a White Dragon but I summoned a Wicked Dragon by mistake! Touta! Touta help meee!! Why, why are you nowhere to be found, why did I get separated from my master—!!"
"GOGYAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"
"Gyateeeee~~!! I'm going to be eaten, nooo, I don't taste goooood~~~~!!! Someone, someooone~~!!"
"—Very well. I shall save you!"
A super-gigantic fist punched the dragon away. It flew far into the heavens.
"Eh—no way, Lord Buddha...!?"
"Ouch, did I punch too hard? I must have let my temper get the better of me. No, well, when I felt that attacking a woman is a disgrace to Phantasmal Species, I just acted, ahaha. Well, everything is best solved with fists! Simple is best! Logic comes second or third!"
"E-Ehh...?"
"Are you alright? Good. A woman alone is dangerous. You should prepare at least one disciple. It keeps you sharp. Well then, farewell."
"W-Wait, wait wait! Don't leave the current me alone~! I'm scared~!"
"It's okay, you are not alone."
"Heh!?"
He pointed upwards. The dragon he had punched away caused a tremor as it crashed back down.
"You have the protection of the dragon!"
"This is a Wicked Dragon~!!"
"Ga... Ga..."
Ding-Dong (Death Knell)
"Ah, it died. Alright, protein get!"
"Who is this guy~!!"
Chapter XXIII: The Rainbow of "Preciousness"
[A Small Joy — Securing a Base]
Having protected the refugees from the Lion King's territory and the tumultuous massacre, the group flew through the sky on the Vimana.
No lives were lost; they protected them to the end... That relief and the comfort of peace healed and filled everyone.
"The Sun King protected all the refugees! We did it! We won!"
"Yes! Senpai! Truly, truly... I'm so glad!"
The two travelers hugged, sharing their joy.
"—..."
Acknowledging their joy, the Knight King relaxed her cheeks gently. She stroked her beloved horse by her side.
—...Thank goodneeeeeess...
Air let out a huge breath, tears forming in her eyes.
There was the joy of being saved.
There was the relief of overcoming a great battle.
And... more than anything.
—I'm so glad... their smiles weren't clouded...
I am truly glad their smiles were not clouded by massacre.
I am truly glad... it didn't end with them smiling while holding back tears...
(I told you, did I not? There is nothing impossible for us, and we are not facing battle as individuals. —In the first place, I am here. I would never hand down a grey verdict like 'fought bravely in vain.' If it is not a failure, we will surely grasp victory and glory. Moderate your needless worries, Air.)
To the King of Heroes' warm words, Air nodded vigorously.
(I'm really happy too. That the tears you shed are of joy and relief.)
Fou gently licked away the tears Air shed.
(Your tears won't wet anything. Me and this guy, we'll protect your heart. From now on, forever and ever.)
—Thank you! Fou! Gil! I love you both!
Holding Fou, Air hugged Gil.
(Hmph, you are surprisingly aggressive when overcome with emotion. Fine, I forgive you. Your joy truly changes the taste of sake to something refreshing.)
—Just this once, please forgive my rudeness! I am just... that happy!
Hugging Fou, pulled close by the King of Heroes, Air narrowed her eyes, rejoicing in the comfort.
...Her soul was savoring it. The reward of her selfishness to 'save everyone.'
The truth born in the world. The fruit of desire... the emotion called 'Joy.'
(Mugyuuuu...! —That's three chapters' worth!)
Exploding into rainbow-colored fireworks, turning into many doves and flying away. A white shooting star ran through the dawn sky, and a beautiful 'Rainbow' appeared.
Written in Hiragana on that rainbow was—'Toutoi' (Precious).
—Fou~!?
And then, from a clay pipe labeled 'Toutomi' (Preciousness), Fou popped out with a Pon!
(Phew! I'll pass on the vanishing act just to comfort you!)
(Your death act is becoming quite polished. Next time, write 'Gorgeous'.)
(Hah? Obviously, I'm gonna write 'Precious'.)
Air laughing in delight. Gil smiling in amusement, Fou frolicking happily.
The Knight King watched them with satisfaction.
"...You are close. I finally understand why the King of Heroes is in such a good mood."
One of the three Knight Kings, the Artoria of the Lance, placed her hand on her chest and spoke.
"I heard the story from the King of Heroes. That you protected my heart. —Thank you truly for establishing my room, Princess."
—N-No! I simply made the suggestion because I believed it could definitely be done with the King's authority! To be thanked by the honorable Knight King is...!
Watching Air flusteredly making excuses with affection, she took the hand of her soul and knelt.
"Even so, my gratitude. That I can remain human is due to nothing other than your kindness."
—Knight King...
"If you wish, please call me Artoria. ...Princess. Won't you... become my friend?"
To the unexpected proposal and nobility, Air nodded vigorously without being able to speak.
"Fufu, I am glad. —Not just the King of Heroes, but I too. I swear to protect your soul."
Just like that, she gently kissed the back of Air's hand.
"I look forward to being with you, Princess Air. May your journey of self-improvement be overflowing with blessings."
—Yes! Thank you! Artoria!
(This is Chivalry... Noblesse Oblige—)
Kiriri, Fou's expression tightened, looking a size tougher.
(Let's call it 'High Class-ness'... The current me is a little strong...)
—Wow! It's a Wild Fou!
The moment Air touched him, he went funya and relaxed, showing his belly and purring.
(I have decided to live for Air!)
"—You seem to have become quite cheerful as well, Beast of Calamity."
(I am enjoying life very much! I am a Beast of Enjoyment, after all!)
(Could it be that your reaction changes based on the emotions you obtain? —If eating negative emotions makes you hideous, then being exposed to Air's light makes you...)
(What I become... is a surprise!)
Jumping up pyoko, Fou responded with a wink.
"What are you talking abouuuut?"
Ritsuka and Mash peeked in happily.
"Fufu, it means that even a King has a human heart."
"Eh? Isn't that obvious?"
"—Fufu. Yes. It is... obvious."
Receiving Ritsuka's words, the Knight King smiled even more cheerfully—
Thus, the group immersed themselves in the afterglow of a modest yet complete victory—
"...Now then, we have fulfilled one of the Sun One's requests. The rest was the cooperation of the 'Mountain People,' was it?"
Bathed in the morning glow, Gil murmured solemnly.
('We've received a transmission from the Sun King and the Conqueror King. "We are going ahead. Come quickly," they say.')
While putting his jacket on Sheba-nyan, Solomon smiled.
('Everyone, you truly did well. Being with you guys—I do nothing but smile.')
('Yes. Truly—good work. Let's rest a bit at the village of the Mountain People. I'm sure they will accept us.')
"Marie, your eyes are bright red."
('I was praying while crying, after all. "May everyone be safe." Even the Heroes were making a ruckus drinking and singing... Ahahaha.')
Gon, the sound of a fist resounded. Divine punishment, likely.
('Ahem, —Normal sailing might reveal our location. Here, we should Warp...')
Before being told, the King of Heroes swiftly tapped the console.
"I do not mind, but I cannot pinpoint the coordinates. Is there anything acting as a clue, a beacon?"
('—Shall we return to the Sun King's territory to ask the refugees? No... that is too much of a detour.')
—Beacon, beacon huh... Ah! King of Heroes! Let's observe the reactions of everyone who went ahead! We should be able to figure it out from that!
(Fuhaha, now that you mention it, it is an obvious discrimination. Has drowsiness and alcohol gotten to me? But very well. Your suggestion is righteous. Let us head there at once.)
"—,... Over there! I think it's over there!"
Ritsuka pointed from the bow toward the direction of the mountains.
"I can hear the sound of a bell from over there! Surely the Mountain People are ringing it?"
"—Sound of, a bell?"
The group strained their ears. ...
—Hmm...? It's a morning so quiet my ears are ringing... I can only hear the chirping of birds...
(In the first place, would people living in hiding ring a bell?)
"—Hmph, but there is elegance in riding the Master's intuition. Though it is rare for me to rely on anyone other than myself."
"—As I said before, neither I nor that Holy Sword user... dislike the current you."
Hearing the Knight King's words, the King of Heroes laughed thinly, snorted, and drained his glass of wine.
—The King of Heroes is cool and amazing! Always, everywhere, anytime!
(He's number one even in unseemliness and getting beaten up! Everyone! Let's go see Heaven's Feel Part 2 in theaters!)
(Do not praise me so, I feel bashful. And Beast, are you not enjoying my unsightly state a bit too much?)
(It's fine because you're loved, not laughed at like Wakame. —Rather, the early Stay Night Knight King who repeated charges only to be beaten back and sent to the dojo was far more the King of Carelessness...)
"?"
(—Will a Singularity where I, the Archer, expose my unsightliness and am beaten completely not be born?)
? What is the King of Heroes saying?
No matter how unsightly you are, I love you, King of Heroes?
(————)
Rather, why must I dislike it? If you are alive, if you are human, making mistakes is natural.
—In fact, I might even want to see such a King of Heroes.
Because—life is about purity and impurity. If it is only beautiful, only cool, one can only admire it.
To know deeply, to understand, to snuggle close... 'Admiration' that is satisfied just by looking is... too far away.
I already know. What the King grasped at the end of failure and disgrace.
Because I know the King who obtained the Truth at the end of the quest for immortality, I understand.
Failure is the soil for growth and progress.
That is why—disgrace and failure are precious things.
...That is why I cannot nod to that Goddess's view.
Even if I cannot deny it... because I know one certain Truth.
'Humans are failing to show their value. Therefore, the time for judgment is not now.'
—So, I will convey it on this journey.
To those who rushed their conclusion on humanity.
'Humanity is still just getting started.'
(————————You really, how many times will you make me scratch my cheek before you are satisfied?)
The King turned his face away awkwardly.
(Humanity is still just getting started—Yeah. That's exactly right, Air.)
Fou nodded with satisfaction.
(—Air, do not leak those impressions to any me other than me. I will confiscate the Beast for a while.)
—Eh!?
(Ogre! Demon! Brute!)
(Fool! My mother is a Goddess, it is natural that I am not human! You throw me off! Let's go!)
Steering in the direction Ritsuka pointed, entering Warp Drive mode.
"Let us go tease the admirable lot who have not forgotten their faith. Leisure after a fierce battle, stretching one's wings is also amusing. —Now, let us go! A.U.O. Warp!!"
Wrapped in golden light, they warped instantly from the Lion King's territory to the sky above the lining mountain peaks.
In the instant the Vimana flew, Ritsuka tilted her head.
"Everyone, can you not hear it...? It's such a beautiful and lovely sound—"
In Ritsuka's ears, the sound of a bell, no less impressive than the morning glow, was ringing.
As if calling.
As if watching over—...
The warp was successful, and they warped out above the village built by the people who had not forgotten the faith of the Holy Land.
"A hidden village!? Coool—!!"
A large settlement built to hide in the shadow of the mountains, using the wisdom of those living in the mountains.
"Ah! Look, Senpai! Mr. Hassan and the parent and child are waving!"
They acknowledged those looking up and waving. —Are we being welcomed?
"Everyone, he and I will stay on the Vimana..."
"What are you saying? We are the key players. What is there to be ashamed of?"
"But..."
"It is a village of honest poverty and desolation. —We must show off the power of the Gorgeous Me!"
The group descended with faces full of joy.
"Welcome, foreign saviors."
Cursed Arm Hassan bowed deeply.
"I have heard the whole story from Rushd, Saria, and the Smoke-Drunk. —To not abandon a single one of our brethren... well done, truly well done..."
Holding his mask, Hassan teared up, and the lady named Saria gently stroked his back.
"I told everyone! The 'Pitch Black Dragon', the 'Purple Shield Knight', and the 'Beautiful Knight King' protected us!"
"...Thank you. If we could protect small lives, then there is meaning in wielding our swords."
The Knight King exchanged glances with Rushd.
"We, the Mountain People, accept you all. Thank you, thank you so very much..."
To Saria, who bowed deeply, he snorted.
"I need no thanks. I merely performed work that satisfied me."
"—Khhh... I apologize. Acting unlike my age... Please, everyone, rest as well..."
—Thank goodness. Everyone seems to be joining forces without misunderstanding...!
Led by Cursed Arm Hassan, the group was guided to the village.
On the way, Ritsuka suddenly muttered.
"—Huh, there's no bell...? Huuuh?"
"What is the matter? Sir Ritsuka?"
"Ah, no! It's nothing!"
The sound of the bell still reaching her ears.
Ritsuka stared intently in that direction.
...She would soon understand the meaning of that bell.
Solemnly, sternly.
—Inviting to the mausoleum, the meaning of the tone of that Evening Bell.
—At the end of the mountain, the 'Grand' Assassin waits.
To tie a bond to the Dragon looking at the world—
Epilogue: The Drunken Kings and the New Party
"Wahahaha! You're late, Goldie! Drink!"
"Oh! So you're the King of Heroes! Well, sit down and drink!"
"I especially forgive the cheap sake this time! Come! Drink! Golden One!"
Witnessing the two Kings and one Hero completely wasted:
"...Knight King, put them to sleep. It is bad for Air's education."
"Yes."
The two Kings, with bitter faces, guided the three to a peaceful sleep, and started drinking again by themselves—
—Fou, Nefertari, Shiki-chan. Then...
(Yeah, Air!)
"Yes, Shana."
('Well then, to a momentary victory...')
—Cheers!
(Cheers!)
"Cheers, fufu."
('Chee~rs. Is that right?')
The four of them secretly clinked their glasses...—
~
"...And so! I aimed for the ends of the earth and did various things!"
"Heeeh (munch munch)."
"I even found a new disciple, and it was smooth sailing... but we got separated..."
"Hmmm (munch munch)."
"I was lonely... it was painful... I..."
"Thank you for the meal."
"Were you listening!?"
"I let it slide through my ears. Live strong!"
"Don't abandon me~!! I really can't do it alone~!!"
"Ah, can I take the dragon meat?"
"I really wasn't listening~! I'm in trouble! Think of it as saving me and become my disciple~!"
"—What. You were in trouble? Alright, understood. I shall save you!"
"Really!?"
"Everything should be fun and simple! I like helping people. Seeing people smile is fun, after all! Alright, understood! I shall let your smile entertain me! Give and take; you are saved, I enjoy myself! Truly Win-Win!"
"Thank you~! I am Xuanzang Sanzang! Disciple, what is your name?"
"Me? I am Moses. My hobby is parting seas. Nice to meet you. Ah, my motto is that people should actively communicate with fists. It's easy to understand! Nice to meet you!"
"Alriiight! Moses! Right away—"
Guu~ (Stomach growl)
"...Let's get some food! But I can't really eat meat..."
"That's tough. Then I'll leave just the bones. I'll take the meat."
"Disciple~~~~!!!"
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded over 40 chapters of this story on Patreon.
If you're enjoying it and want to read ahead, feel free to check them out here:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thanks a lot for your support, it really helps me keep going.
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"