"Whew. I figured you'd at least survive, but all of you coming out unharmed? That's impressive. Praise them, Master. That one is without question a first-rate Heroic Spirit."
The Caster laughs easily as he gives his seal of approval.
Honestly, I feel the same.
Working together and breaking through hardship—this was something I had long given up on as a fairy tale.
I lived in a world where such ideas had lost their value, where friendship and effort were crushed by calculation and schemes. I had seen that reality with my own eyes.
And yet, it was denied right here, right now.
Something real remains. Something real was achieved.
—It feels so refreshing that a smile slips out before I realize it.
"Go on. Say something to them," I say. "Your friends have finally started walking on their own."
I give Olga Marie a light push on the shoulder, and she stumbles forward before running toward them.
"Are you okay!? Rikka! Mash!"
"Of course!" Rikka grins, flashing a peace sign. "As you can see, I'm alive and well! Thanks to Mash."
"Yes… thank you, Director… thanks to your words, and Senpai's support… I was able to activate my Noble Phantasm…"
"That doesn't matter…!" Olga Marie shakes her head violently. "I'm just glad… truly glad you're safe…!"
"Tough girls," Cú Chulainn whistles. "If you were a bit older, I might've tried to woo you."
"Oh? For a beast, you at least understand propriety. Not bad for a dog," I remark.
"Quit running your mouth. You were watching with bated breath too. Don't lecture me when you were getting so worked up yourself."
"I will get worked up. She is a Master who summoned and commands me. I will not tolerate half-hearted work," I reply smoothly. "Though… failing to fully release her true name means she doesn't get full marks yet."
"Full marks, huh. Aren't you the type who only accepts a hundred or zero?"
"It is too early to judge. Would it not be cruel to demand perfection from one who has only just picked up the pen?"
That's right. She doesn't need to be perfect.
Little by little is fine.
As long as they don't stop, don't cut corners, and keep moving forward.
Even in a situation this extreme—no, especially because of it—
What truly matters shines brighter.
…I steady myself as well.
If I rely on this vessel, my own way of fighting cannot stay vague forever.
The Heroic Spirit King of Heroes may have another chance, but there is no guarantee the soul inside him does.
With the feeling that the next battle will be the true turning point, I steel my resolve once more.
"It really does make a difference when there are people their own age around. I'm kind of jealous," Romani's voice sighs over the comms.
"Doctor. I couldn't hear you—what were you doing?" I ask.
"I was working! This First Order is almost over. I've identified the cause of the Singularity!"
"Huh? The cause? I already know that."
"What!?" Romani screeches. "Then does that mean I missed Mash's big moment!? That's not fair!"
"Idiot. Taking your eyes off a child's growth is unforgivable for someone who calls himself a parent. You'll be punished later."
"That's harsh… I really shouldn't try to act cool when I'm not used to it…"
—
Guided by Romani's findings and the Caster's lead, the group proceeds into the underground cavern connected to the cause of the Singularity.
From this vessel's perception, it seems like a workshop expanded underground by three prominent families who once sought the Root here in Fuyuki.
All I truly understand is that this is a man-made cavern.
What those families were aiming for, I don't know.
Perhaps it is simply something this vessel finds uninteresting—an accident not even worth examining.
"Let's take a short break," Olga Marie announces suddenly. "Rikka's vitals are lower than usual. It looks like forcing circuits she doesn't normally use put too much strain on her."
"Yeah, good eye, miss," Cú agrees. "The next part is the final stretch. Better to be fully prepared."
"You've really gotten good at looking after people, Director! Looks like escaping loneliness gave you some peace of mind!"
"Say one more unnecessary thing and I'll cut your salary, Romani."
"That's abuse of power!"
"Yay, a break~ …thud." Rikka flops onto the rocky ground immediately.
"Is that alright with you, King of Heroes…?" Mash asks hesitantly.
"It would be troublesome if she collapsed during the final battle. I don't mind."
Being careful is never a bad thing.
—and the moment of the destined farewell is drawing closer.
…
To be clear, Olga Marie cannot leave this Singularity.
From what this vessel can tell, her body was destroyed long ago. The only reason she can still be here is because of lingering thoughts—something like a remaining echo of her mind.
That means Rikka and Mash will lose a friend they only just met.
"…What's wrong, Gil? You're staring at the Director." Rikka props herself up on one elbow.
"No—"
Maybe there are no words I can give her except "it can't be helped."
There is nothing that can be done. The light of her life is already gone.
…Maybe I'm being soft.
If this farewell was unavoidable, maybe we shouldn't have saved her in the first place.
If death was waiting anyway, maybe it would have been kinder for me to end it cleanly myself.
…but if there is will, if there is a mind, then that is still life.
If that were not true, then someone like me—who has only a soul—could never be called alive either. Even as a Servant, I can hardly call this a proper life.
"No, it's nothing," I say, shaking off the grim thoughts. "I just thought it wouldn't be bad to share some of my hidden sweets."
Complaining about the past is pointless. Saying it would have been better not to save her is nothing but arrogance.
If it's a life we once saved, then it's worth betting on a small miracle.
Since this world already allows an uncertain existence like me, breaking a few rules now is hardly new.
"Really!? Yay! Candy!"
"Senpai, that's nice."
"This is basically feeding them, isn't it…" Olga Marie mutters, though she accepts a piece.
"Well, isn't it fine? It's rare for this guy to give things away so freely. Really," Cú notes, eyeing me.
"I agree," Romani chimes in. "Don't I get some kind of bonus too, Your Majesty?"
"Hmm. Shall I give you scandal photos of that internet idol you like?"
"Don't! Please don't show me the dark side of idols!"
"Idol worship is a deep sin indeed… No wonder you're still single."
"That's way too harsh! And how do you even know about Magi☆Mari!?"
—
As the group finishes their rest and begins to move again, I hang back.
"King of Heroes, is something wrong? Everyone else went ahead…"
I stop Olga Marie with a raised hand.
"…Your judgment earlier was excellent. You noticed the Master's condition right away. I commend you."
—!
I can tell from her reaction.
She's not used to being praised. More than that, she must have lived surrounded by enemies.
People resent those in high positions. Her shoulders tremble.
—This is a gamble. A gamble backed by my own uncertain existence.
A rule-breaking act only possible because I am the King of Heroes.
No—an act that only the King of Heroes can perform.
"Here. Take it."
I reach into the golden ripples and toss what I pull out to her.
"Ow! …What is this?" She fumbles to catch it.
"A useless container. I'm giving it to you. Use it however you like. I allow it."
What I gave her was a golden cup, about the size of a mug. It radiates a faint, warm light.
"Uh… thank you… very much."
—
What happens next is known only to the gods.
No—there will be no prayers to gods. Relying on them while using this vessel feels like the worst taboo.
Now, all that remains is whether it will answer Olga Marie or not.
(End Of Chapter)