How to Love a Wild Flower

...

...Nice...

Oh... I'm sorry, it seems I spaced out a little. What do you mean by "nice"?

Oh, it's nothing, Mash. Just something that crossed my mind.

Um... "Mash"? It is kind of refreshing hearing that from you.

You don't like me saying your name? I can call you something else if it's too frank.

Oh, no, it's not that. I am just a little surprised you would use my name.

Oh. Well, I'm glad it doesn't bother you. Ah... Come to think of it, this place is full of things that I'm glad about.

First and foremost, I'm glad you summoned me.

Huh... What do you mean?

I mean I'm glad you didn't summon my adult self. It seems something strange is going on this time...

So there's a possibility that my adult self would be summoned at the same time.

Oh. I see...

To be honest, we're not sure how to act around you either... I mean, what should we call you?

No, wait. Safety first. I have to be careful with my words... My king, how would you like for us mongrels to address you?

Oh, come on, you don't need to be so nervous, Doctor. I'm not that me you're thinking of.

I don't lash out just because I don't like something. Geez, that guy is such a man-child.

(I bet the world's oldest King of Heroes never imagined his childhood self would be dissing him like this...)

At any rate, you can be casual with me... I know. You can call me Gil.

It's good to meet you too, Master.

Oh please, Master. I'm just a Servant. An Archer.

Just treat me like any other Servant.

？！

I feel the same. ...I am happy to have you around, Gil.

Likewise. Oh! I just thought of another thing that I'm glad about.

I know I'm repeating myself, but I'm so glad that I got to meet a wonderful person like you, Mash.

Huh...?

Just so you know, I actually have a good eye for women.

As for my adult self, however, he probably wouldn't even notice your beauty...

...Wait, actually... He might be attracted to certain aspects of you.

It's just a feeling, I'm not sure how to probably put that into words...

But anyway, I for one appreciate how lovely and sweet you are. Although sometimes you can get a little too serious...

P-Please don't tease me, Gil...

？！

Senpai, you too!?

Hahaha. We mean nothing by it.

Don't be shy. It's natural to feel happy when someone compliments you.

That's not the issue...

Mm? Wait a second. That's...

Enemy attack!

I guess we don't have the luxury to sit around and chat anymore.

(Sigh) Just when I was about to enjoy the company of a lovely flower. Take a hint already.

However, this is also something I'm glad about.

I might look like a child, but since I'm summoned as a Servant, I'll prove to you that I can be useful in battle as well.

(Besides, there's something else I want to be sure of.)

(What made Mash into the lovely flower she is today? Depending on that answer...)

And there you have it.

Mash, you've got potential, but it's raw and unrefined.

For your own sake, you should let me give you a helping hand. By all means!

C-Come again...?

I don't really understand, but I assume that's the reason we are here by the beach. What do you have in mind?

Good question. First, we have to do something about that outfit.

I'm not sure if you should be wearing that armor all the time. It adds a rustic feel to your loveliness.

You should wear something more girly once in a while.

Girly...? My Chaldea uniform is made for women...

Nope, that doesn't count. Mass-produced items are not good. It has to be one of a kind...

Grazie! Grazie molto!

Da Vinci!? Would you stop hijacking our communication channel!?

Oh hush, Roman. Kid Gil just said something amazing!

Actually, I've been thinking the same thing. Mash is just squandering away her beauty.

There's no need to reiterate it, but research has shown that one's outfit is an essential element in the pursuit of beauty.

After all, look at me. This outfit is one of a kind, naturally. I designed it myself.

Although I'm a little different since I don't have a gender, or rather, my gender is Mona Lisa, but let's leave that aside.

No matter where and when, civilized girls should care about their fashion.

I understand, Mash. You pretend you don't care, but it's been bugging you deep down inside, right?

It must've been tough... But it's alright now. I am an ally to all those who pursue beauty.

U-Um, actually, I don't really

Yes! To put it simply, I agree with Kid Gil here 100%!

We're like a talent agency that records, analyzes, arranges, advises, and creates résumés for auditions!

I, Leonardo da Vinci, promise to do everything in my power as an artist to support you!

It seems I have a reliable ally. How reassuring. Thank you, beautiful Da Vinci.

Oh... The King of Heroes certainly does have a discerning eye. You know, you're a lot cooler as a child than as an adult.

Hahaha. Now let's never speak of it again.

Back to business. It's the first time we're all here, plus the location is perfect, so...

I think Mash should put this on.

Oh, a swimsuit! What better way to show the beauty of the sea!?

He did it so casually, but I feel like I just witnessed a Noble Phantasm being utilized in an extremely wasteful way.

Don't worry about that. I'm not. Here, Mash, put this on.

That's easy for you to say!

Um... Uh... Senpai, what do you think?

？！

Senpai...

...Okay. Fine. I'll go change, so please wait here a couple of minutes.

HURRAY!

Romani, I'm telling you right now, give me the recorder's control.

There are all kinds of ethical issues if you start recording video of Mash in a swimsuit.

However, those issues don't apply to me! I am simply recording her to observe and preserve her beauty.

(Hmm... I'm only curious since I'm like a father to her... I'm also a doctor...)

(Therefore I have a responsibility to observe her growth. I'm not interested in her beyond that...)

Well, now that Mash has gone to change, let's talk about something serious.

...Namely, the danger she's in.

Danger?

Yes. I realized it by watching her in our last fight.

Her fragility is precisely what makes a flower like her so lovely.

Hmm, I'm afraid I don't follow.

She always puts her Master's safety before anything else. In an extremely excessive way.

In a dangerous situation, she would throw away her life to protect her Master.

However, there's not a shred of conviction nor experience as a warrior in her actions.

Mash feels fear and confusion, but risks her life without conquering either.

Do you think that's how she should live her life?

...? I don't see a problem. In fact, I think it's incredibly heroic.

After all, it just means her dedication to Fujimaru outweighs both those emotions.

I'm envious. I wish I could meet a dependable bodyguard like that.

(Sigh) ...A genius just doesn't get it. You don't understand the feelings of an average person.

That's rude. I do understand. Mash is a faithful Servant who embodies perseverance.

I do worry about her offensive capabilities, but she's a reliable shield for Fujimaru.

...

All right, fine. What do you think, Doctor?

Huh? About what?

How would you describe Mash's current state?

Um... How indeed... That's not something I can really say right off the bat...

Oh. I knew it. You do understand, don't you?

Then I won't point it out. I'm sure you'll atone for your laziness in the end.

Ah well. Anyway, Mash is too much like a Servant.

Yes, she's a Demi-Servant, but ultimately she's still a human. I think it's a shame to let that part of her go to waste.

Hmm... Is that why you are trying to draw out the girly part in her? As a way for her to get in touch with her humanity?

Precisely. Displays of emotion are a human strength. It's a waste that she doesn't use them.

Well, I'll admit I really just want to see her in a swimsuit.

Heh... She can't escape my eyes. That's right, I can tell she has curves in all the right places!

Anyway, she'll be back any min

...Huh?

Emergency! Enemy alert!

...Come again? Wait, Mash, how come you're not in a swimsuit!? Where's the dynamite body!?

That's right, the swimsuit! Where's the dazzling beauty!? Where's the dynamite body!?

I was going to exploit the situation and slip into a swimsuit myself! That will improve my popularity and my presence as the embodiment of beauty! Bravo!

It was the perfect plan! Now what'll become of it!?

That's what you were thinking...?

That swimsuit... I was going to put it on, but then I had a good look at it and... um, well, it's not something I could ever wear.

Ahhh... That's because I got it from my treasury. I guess the style isn't very modern?

I predicted such a reaction, so I gave you several designs.

Th-That's not the problem!

All of them had visual defects...

I mean, one was just made of strings, another was semi-transparent, one didn't have a top half...

Or it did have a top half, but I don't count clamshells as suitable!

Huh? What's wrong with that? I like that kind of thing. Especially if it means seeing women in a state of embarrassment.

Is that unintentional or not...? A-Anyway, right now our priority is eliminating the enemy in front of us! Go for it, everyone!

Phew... Senpai, are you okay?

？！

Really? I'm glad to hear it.

I'll check the surrounding area to see if there are any enemies left. Senpai, please stay on guard as well.

...Now that you mention it, she does act like a Servant. Probably even more than one...

That's because Mash was raised in Chaldea and duty has always been her priority. So she was well-grounded before all this.

I wouldn't call an aptitude that was forced on her being "well-grounded." That's called a curse, Archaman.

...Humph. You're being argumentative this time around. Were you this compassionate as a Heroic Spirit?

Oh, please. Tastes can change, but that doesn't change the underlying personality.

If my adult self is cold-hearted, then so am I. The difference is in whether it's expressed in moderation.

But it looks like I was being too much of a busybody. Ultimately, what we're able to do doesn't amount to much.

So, Master.

You're the one who's closest to Mash, so please watch out for her.

How did she fight? What kind of fight was it? These are important questions, so don't forget.

That's what I'm trying to say.

？！

Well, you seem to be a sharp person, Master. I don't really think I needed to say all that.

It looks like we obliterated the threat, Senpai.

...Um, also, I'd like to say something, just so there's no misunderstanding.

...

I don't have anything against wearing a swimsuit in front of you, Senpai.

But this time around, the swimsuits Gil prepared for me were...just too advanced for my level...

If it were a normal swimsuit...and the occasion arose... I wouldn't mind...

Th-That's all I wanted to say. Pardon me.

Yes, food for thought. Instead of worrying now, it's like there's promise for the future.

So it looks like you don't need me to stick around. I'll let Master continue to polish this diamond in the rough.

Ah, but if you ever need a tool to help draw out her girly side, let me know anytime.

I may have just what you need in my treasury!

And where beauty is involved, don't forget good ol' Da Vinci.

If she seems to be even a little uncertain about her own idea of beauty, don't hesitate to send her my way.

Because nobody surpasses me when it comes to acquiring femininity!

...Right. Well, certainly, it's a matter that deserves some thought.

For me, as long as Mash is healthy, I can't ask for anything more...

But it's a good thing to have a little color in your life! Maybe I'll scrape together some funds to make a swimsuit for Mash!