Chaldea — 1:00 AM
"Mnn… Affection… mumble…"
"…"
"Rikka… zZZ…"
(Ah! If only it were my turn tonight… I, too, would be holding Rikka close, singing her to sleep…!)
(The least I can do… is stand guard outside her door to ensure no one disturbs her peaceful slumber…!)
Wandering into a domain believed to be a dream, Rikka Fujimaru encountered a Heroic Spirit styling himself the Ruler of Kanto. Relying on the guidance of this Ruler, who boldly claimed to know the path back to her original world, she had chosen to journey alongside him.
"…"
Ruler walked in stoic silence, keeping a steady, unhurried pace. His tread was unwavering—never veering, never lost.
"Um, Lord Ruler? Where exactly are we…?"
Rikka spoke timidly, her intuition telling her this was an exalted personage deserving of utmost deference. His sheer aura and dignity broadcasted high birth without requiring a single word.
There was not a trace of falsehood in his speech. Within him dwelt only a fierce affirmation and resolve—a profound, unyielding desire to protect this domain.
Though Rikka was a rather subpar mage, she felt that unwavering determination and spirit deep within her heart. It was precisely why she offered him her sincere respect.
"—This domain is Shimousa. In thy generation, it is known as Tokyo… the very pillar of the nation."
"Tokyo?! This place is…?!"
A bit too specific for a dream… As Rikka pondered this, Ruler continued.
"Within this land, I sense the seeds and portents of upheaval. Yet, the karmic threads remain unknotted; the foundation for a polluted realm of malice is not yet laid. Thou, too, art merely a fleeting traveler in a phantom dream."
"Y-Yes, sir."
"I am he who soundeth the alarm. I am he who testeth thy resolve. Whether thou shalt rise in valor or cower in fear—I am the one to judge. Shouldst thou prove worthy, I shall grant thee strength; shouldst thou fail, I shall shatter thy soul."
"…"
His archaic and convoluted manner of speaking took a moment to parse, but she gathered the essence: "When crisis strikes, do you have what it takes to handle it?" He was asking if she could withstand whatever hardship lay ahead.
"…Understood. For now, I will follow your guidance."
Sensing that clever arguments or idle chatter held little weight with a man like him, Rikka decided to simply obey with devout sincerity. Since he had pledged to lead her, he would not lie. He would surely bring her to wherever she needed to be. In fact, he was walking ahead of her right now, leading the way.
(Since I'm completely in the dark, I might as well ride the current! It's definitely safer than wandering around alone!)
Communication with the other Servants was still cut off. It seemed she really was isolated. In that case, all she could do was press forward on her own two feet. For now, just keep moving—
"Ouch!"
Lost in thought, Rikka slammed right into Ruler's back. He had come to a sudden halt, causing her to crash into him. Rubbing her sore nose, she looked up.
"…—"
"W-What's wrong, Lord Ruler?!"
Ruler turned slowly toward her, stepped closer, and held out his right hand.
Did I offend him?! Rikka flinched, covering her face with both hands.
"—Partake."
At his words, she peeked at his outstretched palm…
"…A rice ball?"
Clutched in his right hand was a freshly made omusubi. Her eyes locked onto the gleaming white rice and the gentle, piping-hot steam rising from it.
"…Are you sure?"
"Our march is long. Enduring hunger brings unnecessary plight; I see no reason to forgo replenishing our vigor, meager though it may be."
He nudged his hand forward insistently. Touched by his kindness, Rikka gave a hesitant nod.
"Then… let's eat together over in that field."
"Very well."
And so, as the morning sun began its ascent, the two shared a quiet breakfast.
"Wow, this is delicious!"
The rice ball Ruler gave her was prepared so masterfully it seemed steeped in divine grace. A single bite was enough to elicit unconditional praise.
The delicate softness, the precise touch of salt, the soothing warmth—it was a masterpiece in every metric. It easily rivaled the legendary, top-tier onigiri EMIYA only crafted once a week.
"…"
Beside her, Ruler sat cross-legged, eating silently. Rikka decided it was best not to ask where he was putting the food away.
"Thank you so much! Um… why did you make this for me?"
"Thou didst exert thyself in the preceding clash; hunger is but a natural consequence. Nourishment is the foundation of rightful life—savor it well."
"Ah… thank you for looking out for me!"
It seemed he had been mindful of her exertion from the earlier battle. She had been so overwhelmed by his intimidating aura, but…
"…You're actually very kind, Lord Ruler."
The thought slipped from her lips. She hoped it wouldn't come across as disrespectful, but he had put her well-being first before anything else. Deeply grateful, she wanted to express her appreciation clearly.
"No thanks are required. It is merely a fitting deed."
"Yes, sir. Thank you."
"Fret not. The battle is yet distant, and no blood flows upon this soil today. Be at ease, and tread thy path with unwavering resolve."
"Right!"
Finishing the rice ball with hearty bites, Rikka clapped her hands together in thanks and stood up.
"It is time to set forth once more. Advance with courage in thy heart!"
"Alright! Let's do this!"
With their bellies satisfied, the two resumed their march toward the leyline.
"Is Nihon a good country?"
As they walked, Ruler quietly posed the question.
"Japan?"
"Indeed. Thou who dwellest in my land, in my future… thou who livest in Nihon… Is Nihon a good country?"
"—Yes!"
Rikka answered without a moment's hesitation. At the very least, that was how she truly felt.
Its delicate craft, relentless innovation, and rich evolution of culture and art—all of it continued to thrive. A place where you could enjoy delicious food anytime—modern Japan was a truly wonderful country.
She felt genuinely blessed to have been born there, a pride she could express with complete sincerity. After all, the anime and manga were the best in the world! The culture was second to none!
"I'm truly happy I was born in Japan!"
"…Is that so. I see. Then my life served its purpose as a foundation."
A low, pleased rumble of laughter escaped Ruler's lips. As the Ruler of Kanto, hearing his beloved homeland praised must have brought him genuine joy.
"Thus—"
He suddenly paused, tilting his head toward the sky. Rikka followed his gaze—
"It's pitch black…"
A stagnant sky, thick with black malice and an ominous aura, filled the air. Rikka immediately dropped into a combat stance.
"Are they going to appear again? Those suspicious armored samurai…?"
"…"
"A-Ah, I don't mean you, Lord Ruler!"
She hastily clarified, but Ruler's attention was already elsewhere.
"Waaaah! Waaaah! Da… auugh!"
"—!"
The cry of a baby echoed through the air. The instant Rikka recognized it, she moved with lightning speed, dashing straight toward the source of the sound.
"…—"
Watching her unhesitating charge, Ruler let out a soft chuckle and gave chase. When it came to protecting the innocent, neither of them showed an ounce of mercy to their foes.
Without a second thought, both plunged straight into the heart of the chaos—
"Shh, it's okay, Tasuke. Don't be scared, don't be scared…"
"Hic… auu! Eww…"
Surrounded by armored samurai, a young girl desperately tried to soothe the infant strapped to her back, striving to stay strong despite the oppressive terror. Clad in a plum-colored kimono, she suppressed her own fears, desperately comforting the baby named Tasuke.
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