Even at the Cost of My Life

Good morning, Master.

What do you have planned today? I shall accompany you, no matter your destination.

Rayshifting? Perhaps training in the simulator?

After all, I am here on behalf of Miss Mash today. I will try my very best to be of help to you.

？！

Miss Mash is having her medical check today. I understand she must remain in the exam room all day.

Medical checks are important. As you are aware, Chaldea is isolated from the rest of the world, and located in an extreme environment.

Our bodies and minds are under incredible pressure... We must always be aware of this.

Of course, we face the unprecedented threat that is the Incineration of Humanity.

And while the flames we face and the biting cold of Chaldea's environment are quite different in nature...

They can both be said to be exceptionally difficult environments.

That is the challenge that everyone here in Chaldea faces. Yourself included, Master.

As such, frequent checkups are of critical importance. Understood?

Very good. A most excellent response.

...Your words humble me.

？！

Permit me to remind you once more: I am here as a substitute for Miss Mash today.

As such, please ask me for anything. I am your attendant, your butler. I am your Servant today in every possible sense of the word.

How about training in the simulator? Or observing and monitoring the remnants from the Singularities would be appropriate as well.

...

...Battling to gain something is what will lead to further growth for you, Master.

Battles for the sake of the Grand Order...

Or rather, battles to continue your survival, will eventually wear you down.

Your soul. Your psyche. Or speaking in modern terms, your nerves.

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There is one thing that crossed my mind, Master.

Normally, I wouldn't dare mention something like this to others...but in your particular case...

I'm sure HE would be happy about it, without a doubt. He is that kind of knight.

While any such approval given would be...ex post facto, unworthy though I am, I shall eventually gain it.

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Yes. Actually...

My comrade, the man who is the epitome of freedom, Sir Tristan, heads out to a certain place in every free moment he has.

Occasionally, I accompany him. I believe it is a wonderful place to relax.

But please, keep that to yourself...

Thank you very much.

Haha. Is that where you think it is?

？！

Let's head over there right away. I will leave a note for Sir Tristan.

Let's go!

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You're less enthused than expected... My apologies...

Perhaps I built up your expectations too much... I must reflect on my presentation.

As you can see, this is a virtual creation in the simulator. We are not actually outside Chaldea.

Still, it gives me a sense of peace. I hope it works for you as well, Master.

Initially, even I was skeptical about whether or not this would work.

I accompanied Sir Tristan to watch him go fishing and listen to his ranting that was nothing but difficult to understand...

There was nothing in particular to do except to spend time just watching the sky and sea.

But...surprisingly, doing so felt peaceful, or rather, it calmed me.

And I wanted you to experience that same sense of peace, or at least calming effect.

...Have I...overstepped my boundaries?

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Thank you, Master.

Then...how about this? Would you like to try night fishing?

Sir Tristan uses his Failnaught so skillfully to catch a great many fish.

Ah, but we do. I had Miss Da Vinci prepare us some.

In that much, I planned ahead. I am excited to provide you with the best fishing experience ever.

Do not fret. I requested Miss Da Vinci's help on that front.

？！

I believe I open up the multipurpose window...

Now I equip the extra item...and we're all set.

Well, I'm sure there are other ways to do so, but I don't have as much experience with the simulator...

I understand Miss Jing Ke is quite well-versed in such things. She even brings things like alcohol with her, I am told.

But let's do it this way for today. After you, Master.

The bait is already on the hook, so please cast it out to sea with all your might.

Wonderful. Excellent, Fujimaru.

Such bold and brazen movement...! Amazing!

Wonderful! Have you by chance tried fishing before?

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And now...the main event.

Well, there is nothing special to do now. At night, when the boundaries between the sky and sea are blurred, we just listen to the waves...

And please relax. There's no need to feel rushed or impatient.

Please, sit back and enjoy this leisure time. I will watch your line, so please do not worry.

...

...

...This is something that I've never said before...

Nor did Tristan say this...

But at times, I find myself thinking this:

Tristan was torn between the two Iseults. And his fate led him to lose his life by the water.

Or rather, his soul...

Perhaps that is why he cannot be apart from the water. Even now, he could be waiting for that ship with the shining, pale white sail...

...Shh, Master. Empty your thoughts...your mind.

I am not saying you must enter an Eastern meditative state. Just...let yourself go. Calm. Peace.

Just watch the boundaries of the sea and sky to melt together, and doze into the blanket of night...

Let your daily stresses wash away.

？！

!!!

Something's biting! It's splashing!

It must be a big one...! It's like Sir Kay swimming amongst the fishes!

This may be even bigger than that! I've never seen such an intense tug on a fishing line!

It could be a red snapper, mackerel, or even a tuna!

Let's reel it in, Master!

Just like humans take pictures of fish to record their greatest catches, we can capture its data and show it off to Miss Mash and Sir Tristan!

It's sure to make them smile!

？！

!!!

You did it! The fish just popped out of the sea!

...That's...

The fish we caught is...actually, not a fish...

Gueeeeeeeeeaaahhh!!!

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Oh I'm so embarrassed...

I must have made some kind of mistake when I set up the system. Doing something one is unaccustomed to can cause such trouble...

I pulled an all-nighter studying the manual...but I am no good at learning new things...

No, now's not the time for lamentations! Master, your commands!

I am prepared to make amends for my misconduct. Or, rather, I am prepared to accept whatever punishment you deem fitting. But first, we have an enemy to fight!

I swear by my Airgetlám that I will dispose of this immediately!

？！

Switch On - Airgetlám!

Dead End, Airgetlám!

...

Please, allow me to apologize once more.

Even thought it was only in the simulator, my most important job is to keep you safe...

It appears my efforts were fruitless once again...I'm sorry, Fujimaru.

？！

Thank you very much. I am undeserving of such kindness.

Now...

It would be a waste to leave this, so let's eat it.

？！

I have memories from my previous life. For instance, from Round Table analects, King Arthur, number eight:

"Food is all the same. Nutrition is nutrition, even monster meat!"

Now, Master...repeat!

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What are you talking about? Master? Why are you backing away? Master!?

...Once again, my apologies.

But I'm glad. You cleaned your plate completely. Now that I've learned more about your food preferences...

In order for you to enjoy my dishes more in the future, I will continue to hone my skills.

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The seaside we visited is Sir Tristan's place of relaxation. Now we are at mine.

It's quite similar to a certain place in Britain.

...

A place of peace... Well, admittedly this tranquil place is where I allow my mind to race.

It is a place that helps me renew my resolve and reinvigorate my soul. So it may be a stretch to call this place a place of peace.

...

...Yes, Master.

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Our Britain was a nation under constant threat of attack, never peaceful or stable.

Many fell victim to that strife, and I could do nothing to save them.

The Giant of Mont Saint-Michel. A fearsome giant was wreaking havoc on Mont Saint-Michel of Brittany...

...and kidnapped Princess Helena, the niece of the King of Brittany.

Our King Arthur took Sir Kay and myself to hunt the giant down and rescue her.

On that quest...to be honest...I was of no help to the two of them.

King Arthur and Sir Kay defeated the giant in a gruesome battle and brought some peace to Brittany.

On the other hand, I...

...I could not save the princess.

I was too late, powerless as I am. All too little, too late.

Princess Helena, known for her grace, had her young and promising life plucked away, and we found only her pitiful corpse.

I couldn't save the people dear to me.

First, Princess Helena. Then, the Battle of Camlann, my king...Arthur...

I failed...not once, but twice...

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...This place...it reminds me of where Princess Helena drew her last breath.

Every time I stand here, it reminds me...that I am a powerless knight.

I am but a man who lost the two people he swore to protect.

This is the place where I vowed never to repeat those mistakes. Ever.

Master, I am a weak, powerless man who does not deserve to be numbered among the Knights of the Round Table.

And yetNo, because of that, I offer you this vow, knowing that my manifestation here was truly a miracle:

I shall protect you, Master, who fights these brutal battles to defend humanity's future.

No matter how powerful our coming enemies may be...no matter how cruel the fate we face may be...

Your life...your heart...your body... I shall protect you till the very end.

...Yes, Fujimaru.

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I swear that I will live up to your expectations, Fujimaru.