Lips to Lips

M. A. S. T. E. R.

？！

Oh, please don't cry out so! It is I, your Kiyohime, Master.

...I too have just woke up. Do you know where we are?

At any rate, let us walk. Look, Mash is here as well.

...I can't get in contact with the Doctor. Anyway, let's take a walk around.

Yes, you're right. Let's wander around. This too is one of the delights of travelOr so it seems.

Well, to be honest, I have never taken a real trip.

When I chased after Lord Anchin, that most certainly could not be called a trip.

Now, then. Shall we begin walking? I wonder what sort of things await us.

It sure is a little exciting, isn't it? Hehehehehe.

...Enemies! Kiyohime, get ready for battle!

... ...

...Umm, Kiyohime?

Oh, my! Just when I was expecting romance, such a horrid encounter! Dear god! What have I done to deserve this?

...Oh, right. I do have a vague idea of what it might be. Most of my behavior in life could be the cause.

Hmm... I do deserve this. But for this trouble to be imposed upon my Master simply won't do...

？！

Thank you, Master!

...If Elisabeth were here, she'd probably joke about this.

Fou...

Ahh, such a magnificent view.

Oh, yes. ...About that trip.

The only thing that I saw was his back. That dreamy back. He abandoned me and simply ran away

...But just so you know. I did think back on my actions.

Yet, still, even so. Why didn't he utter a single word of apology.

If he can not do that, he could at least yell at me

？！

But why? I am not the type that would slit her wrists at the slightest reproach.

However, my chat-room friend, Tamamo, told me,

"You know, your understanding of why Anchin left you is wrong at the most basic level."

"He didn't want to stay away from you, in fact, he liked you a little, just a little."

"However, your love for someone who only liked you a little is too heavy. Too much is as bad as too little."

"With you it's either love or hate, one or zero. You really need to change your digital way of thinking!"

That is her opinion of me...

Because I'm lovely So he didn't want to say anything harsh to me?

I see...

A man's pride? That is a matter that I am unable to comprehend.

...Such a pathetic man. Putting on pride and running away...

？！

...Well. I am still completely unable to comprehend the heart of a man.

Tamamo tells me to trust her on matters between men and women. She says she can give me the perfect answer because of what she's been through

Those are the kinds of things she says... But for some reason, I just can't trust her.

It seems to me she's the type that would turn to mush the moment a handsome man gazed at her seriously.

She's usually open about her feelings, but once the man makes a move on her, she'd freeze up and get swept away.

She always says, "It's so easy to control a man." But in reality, it's more like, "Serving obediently is true happiness."

In the Holy Grail War that we're in right now, perhaps it's a good idea to have an offline party sometimes.

Everyone knows she's a shut-in, so I don't know if that Osakabe-hime would show up.

Oh, dear me! I'm sorry. I'm doing all the talking.

No, I'm quite fascinated by what you're talking about. Chat-room buddy... Offline Party...?

I want to hear more about Master. How were you born, and how you've lived your life

What's your favorite food? And what's the food you dislike?

What's the type of woman you like? What's the type of man you like?

What your schedule is like every day? Where do you wash first in a shower?

Your height, weight, eyesight, grip strength, speed, endurance, lung capacity, whether you've run a marathon...

Oh! I forgot one very important thing. Are there any temples that you're acquainted with

If possible, I'd like to hear about them.

？！

It's a secret. Hehehehehehe...

Master, your face has become stiff...

Oh, my! Such a nice aroma.

...But wait, it seems there're some creatures who would dare to splatter the stench of blood in this beautiful forest.

Come out!

Lamia...! Be careful, Master!

My, they're snake monsters. How hideous.

...Wait, you and I both have a similar appearance. Then the hideous thing here is

Your nature as a mere beast. Perhaps it's because you only care about your appetite...

...Ahem! Master, would you mind averting your eyes?

You see, I'm not used to being looked at. Thank you so much.

Oh, my! Such a large cavern... It's so mystical.

...A cavern like this seems like the best place for a dragon to keep its treasure in...

But obviously there's no dragon here. Yet, I do sense something.

Master, be careful.

It's exactly as Mash says. Please stay behind me.

Do not fret. No matter what sort of monster it may be, I shall protect you.

I wouldn't be so sure about that. Excuse me, my dear self. May I ask you a question?

Wha...

Do you really think you're qualified to be a Servant?

You who killed the man you loved out of hate, spite, and fury? Can you really swear to protect your next Master?

You're...me?

Impossible! Utterly impossible! Because you are just a lowly beast.

Quit showing your pretty self, and expose your hideous form. If you think you'll be loved then, you're kidding yourself.

Does a soldier show the one he loves what he's like when he cruelly slaughters on the battlefield?

People express their love by hiding something. But in your case, it is deception

By deceiving, don't you think you are forcing a human to love a beast?

It's true, is it not? You, even after revealing your true identity, shamelessly

You pursued him!

No... I never... Did...

Now then, Master. You must discard this creature.

Someday, this woman will reveal her true self over some petty lie, and sink her fangs into your neck.

It is much more sensible to reject that woman.

？！

Master...

I see. You are very kind. Just like that Anchin was.

But can you look upon Kiyohime's miserable, hideous form and still say thatWhy don't you try?

Master, stand back!

...Master ...I will protect you! That's the truth, it's not a lie!

？！

...Thank you! Here I come, impostor!

Hmph! You will regret it someday. These are my own words, so you know it's the truth.

...Whew. Master, may I ask you one question?

...Please, I beg of you. Do not lie about this. MasterAm I, hideous?

？！

What? But, I mean... When I transform...

I transform into a hideous dragon. I thought it might be a hideous sight...

？！

My, how cruel! You certainly are not lying...

Ah...ha, ahahahahaha! Me? Reliable and cool?

Those are not words of praise for a maiden! You are such a cruel Master!

But, I'm fine with it. I can't stand a lie

But the words of that imposter, I will turn them into lies.

A girlwho accepted no lies and burned her love with crimson flame. I will show you just how determined that girl can be.