Wild Camp

I am Emperor Nero Claudius! I shall allow you to listen carefully!

Soldiers of the Gaul expedition, I thank you for your efforts for me, my subjects, and my Rome!

I have now come to the expedition's aid. You now have a mighty general here with you!

There's no reason for us to lose this battle! Victory belongs to me, and the Rome you all love!

Listen to the crowd. So this is how charismatic Emperor Nero was at her peak?

Probably, but it's also a mystery. She's so charismatic now, but in her later years...

...No, never mind. I will stop there, never tell people living in the past about the future. That's our policy.

...Kyuu...

Mm. This is... This reaction, Mash...right there

Well, Emperor Nero Claudius came earlier than I thought.

You there. The boy who looks like a rookie. Are you the guest commander I've heard so much about? I guess looks can be deceiving.

Thank you for travelling so far. I'm Boudica, general of the Gaul expedition.

Boudica?

Yes Boudica, the "former" queen of Britannia, and this huge fellow here is...

Another champion who was invited to the battlefield. You should be pleased, this garden of battle is full of oppressors.

The oppressors are committing atrocities as they approach. It is time to rise up. Let us battle side by side. You who dare defy this unparalleled tyranny.

???

...Right. His words baffle me, but I have a feeling...

H-Huh? Whoa, that's extremely rare. Spartacus hardly ever takes a liking to someone at first sight.

Let me correct myself. He hardly ever takes a liking to someone at first sight, without then pouncing on them.

(...Doctor, this giant over here is.)

(Fouuuuuu...)

(Y-Yes, he's definitely a muscle.)

(I mean a Servant. That's what the reading says. Definitely a Servant. Let's leave it at that.)

(He doesn't seem to have hostile intentions.)

(I can't translate what he's saying. He's looking at us, but what does he mean by "You who defy tyranny"?)

(My guess is he's a Berserker. Yes, he must be...Maybe...)

Warrior of the rebellion, give me your name. Let us revolt together against the inhumane empire and shout in triumph under a free sky.

???

Did he ask for your name just now? Is that what it was?

Neither do I... He's got this extremely carefree smile, but that's all I'm getting...

Huh? He's smiling while saying all that? His Madness Enhancement must be incredible.

？！

That being said, I suppose this proves that even in this era, stray Servants do exist.

For some reason, unlike hostile Servants, there are also those who have free will, stand by their era, and fight.

It has been confirmed in two eras. I am sure it will be the case for all the singularities.

If we count Fuyuki, this makes the third time

At any rate, this is encouraging. This way we know we'll have allies even without summoning.

Ummmm, are you the Invisible Mage?

Oh excuse me, let me introduce myself. I am Roman, and...

I am Mash Kyrielight, this is Fujimaru... The viceroy.

I've heard your names before, news of you travels even out here. They are the honored guests, aren't they, Your Majesty.

...

Your Majesty?

...Mm. D-Did you say something? It seems I am a little tired. Boudica, take care of our guests.

Tell them about the situation here in Gaul. I have a terrible headache. I'm going to lie down for a bit.

Understood. Leave these youngsters to me.

Yes, I'm counting on you. Fujimaru, you must be exhausted, too. You should get some rest.

...

I bring news! An enemy scouting party has been discovered!

...Can we pursue them?

We can't catch up to the enemy soldiers' speed! At this rate, it's possible they'll get away!

Yes, you're right. A group of them are leaving the camp and making off with intel on us!

I think we should strike, Mash and Fujimaru.

Understood, Doctor.

？！

Right. Let's go!

So that's the story. I think we'll be in your care for a while.

Oh? From a foreign world? I see, I guess such things can really happen.

Thank you for your understanding. Boudica, was it? You're a Servant too, right?

...Doctor.

It's all right, you don't have to hold your tongue. Yes, I "should be dead" already.

I see you find that strange. How did Queen Boudica become a Roman general, right?

Yes. In the history that I'm aware of, you

Yes, that's right.

I'll never forgive Emperor Nero or Rome. I even swore it to the Celtic gods.

...And then I materialized. To this era right after my death, of all things.

I thought maybe it was my chance for revenge, but when I saw Rome overrun by the United Empire...

My body moved on its own. Not for Nero's sake, but for the people who live there.

...Or did I feel guilty towards the Londinium fellows, whom I brutally murdered for the sake of my vengeance.

I don't really know myself. But when I think about it, I've always been like that.

I think fighting to protect something is just my personality. That's what seems most natural to me.

So my apologies to Nero, who wrongly sees me as a "worthy living opponent," but...

？！

Yes, because somehow she's more dangerous than before. If she becomes overly concerned about me, who knows what she would do.

...Understood. You're a proper Heroic Spirit.

A hero whom others aspire to be. The symbol of strength used to suppress villainy and save others.

Nyahaha, I was just doing it on a whim... Although if that's how I look to you, who am I to disagree?

There aren't many Heroic Spirits who could put it like that. Queen Boudica, your pride is dazzling.

...Senpai. Um, are you keeping up with the conversation?

I didn't think so. Sorry, I'll explain.

...Right. Ms. Boudica is, um...

？！

...She's a Heroic Spirit, a Servant. She was killed by Nero's army just before this era.

She was the Queen of Britannia, which was overrun by Rome. Now she stands with Nero.

I do have a question, though. I mean, why

It's not that difficult. I dislike the United Empire more than Nero.

You feel the same way, don't you Spartacus? You intend to fight a legion of oppressors.

It's dangerous to say this, but she isn't the enemy. You don't consider yourself to be Nero's ally, do you?

Hahaha, the walls of the colosseum have fallen. Soon, all of this land shall become my colosseum.

You see?

(I don't.)

(I wonder if she possesses a special skill. Like Madness Comprehension...or something?)

A-Anyway. Both of them are Heroic Spirits and Servants.

Just like in Orleans, right? In a singularity, multiple Servants will materialize.

But not all of them are enemies. Some have wills of their own and stand on the side of justice.

You're embarrassing me. I'm not all that.

Hahaha! Behold, this muscular body is proof of the uprising. The oppressors shall know any injuries inflicted are my strength.

There, you see? Spartacus is embarrassed, too.

...

...

...Senpai, did you understand what he said?

Huh? R-Really?

I-I didn't think so. I didn't catch any of it either...

？！

All right, shall we get started then?

Excuse me?

I don't doubt your skills, but... Ah, actually, maybe I do.

Right now, the United Empire controls most of Gaul. Not even we can drive them out.

The ruler of Gaul One of the "emperors," is strong.

There's nothing excessive about him, body or mind. He's a top-notch hero in both looks and skills.

Do you have the strength to fight him head-on? Or should I use you as back-up?

My apologies, but could I put your abilities to the test?

What? I thought you were a rational queen, but it turns out you're a hero who "speaks" with her sword!

Ahaha, now you've got the idea. So, shall we?

Just try not to die. When we're done, I'll whip up something delicious for you.

Of course I mean Britannia cuisine, not Roman. So, let's meet face to face and cross swords!

My True Name is Boudica, class Rider! Be careful, because my chariot is extremely strong!

Ah. ...I must say, I am happy to be proven wrong about you.

You showed me how competent you are. Thanks, I know you must be exhausted from your travels.

My defense and Spartacus's offense matches pretty well. You held your own against us, I underestimated you!

As for you... Mash? You're a shield-wielding Heroic Spirit, right? I really like you.

I know it's twisted to have a weapon solely for defense, but it's far better than one solely for killing.

I mean, how can you be so reliable when you're so slim?

Fou?

R-Reliable?

Yes, when you wielded your shield and stood your ground... It was like you'd taken root.

If Lord Nero is the violence of fire, then you're the riches of the earth. I think you'd be compatible with any Heroic Spirit.

...Right.

Yes, good answer. Indeed, indeed.

Hmm...

Hmm, hmm. (staring)

Hmm, hmm, hmm. (staring)

E-Excuse me?

Now that I look at you carefully, yes, I see. So that's what it is. If that's the case, you should have just told me!

Excuse me?

Things are getting complicated, aren't they? Even we...Ah, I just noticed. How adorable!

Huh?

Come here. Come on. There, there.

AhW-What is it, Boudica? Augh...What's with you all of a sudden...

You're like a little sister to me. Maybe both of you are. There, there.

I'm so proud of you, coming from a faraway time period. You're so strong. There, there.

？！

U-Um, y-your chest... I can't breathe...

Mmm, good girl, good girl!

You called yourself Nero's ally so I was on my guard for a bit, sorry!

But now I'm in a great mood! All right, tonight I'll make you something wonderful to eat!

Your big sister here is really good at cooking Britannia cuisine. You'll eat it, won't you?

T-Thank you... Senpai, how about you? Are you hungry?

I know, right? Actually, me too.

Ah... I-I know, right? I'm exhausted from traveling, too. I'm sorry!

？！

Yes, yes! Eat, eat, and then go to sleep! That's the key to having plenty of energy!

Even if you don't like it, I'll force you to eat! Then after dinner

Of course, we should take a bath! I'll even wash your back.

Huh?

I hate to admit this, but Roman baths are the best in the world. It goes to show that even Nero can be useful.

It feels amazing. Even Spartacus calms down when he's immersed in hot water.

Huh?

U-Um... I think you can let go of me now...

Berserkers calm down when they're immersed in hot water... This is a discovery Mash!

No, it's not.

No...