A Star Is Born

We have emerged from the forest. Robin, is that the town you told us about?

Yeah, that's right. ...Hmm? Somebody's here.

Yes, that's an ally.

Geronimo. I have news.

Hmm... I see. I'm sorry, but please continue your investigation.

Who were those guys?

They've been tracking the Celtic soldiers for me. In particular, I want to know where they're coming from.

...Once we get that Saber on our side, we can pursue the matter further.

Ugh, I don't want to do this...

♪Hum, hum, hum, hum ...Okay then, the groundwork is in place.

It's a shame that a Western is the only thing you can shoot in a town like this

But not to worry. Even in a Western, my extraordinary acting talent will no doubt win me an Academy Award!

I'll be concurrently responsible for production, direction, the script, music, and the leading role...

Oh, no! I just realized there's no cameraman!

Hmph, what am I to do... Perhaps the time has finally come for me to try my hand at summoning?

But my profound talent may result in summoning a big shot... I'll be forced to choose between Eastwood and Scott...

Hmm. Hollywood, is it? One must not underestimate the creative minds of Servants.

Hmph, who are you? I'm quite busy, so off with you... Unless you're a cameraman.

Do excuse me. My name is Fergus. I once earned my keep as a Knight of the Red Branch.

Normally, I would have happily called myself a cameraman in order to hit on youbut things are complicated now.

Oh?

So I'm going to kill you. Period. If you want someone to resent, you have only me.

I'm doing this entirely for myself, after all. I'll cut you down just because I want to.

Hmph. You seem to have your reasons, but I won't ask. You're quite bold to think you can kill me.

I don't mean to boast, but I, Nero Claudius, am not a petty Servant who will die so easily, you see?

...Nero, the tyrant of ancient Rome! What an unusual Servant to run into.

No wonder your radiance is different from that mediocre rabble. Such a swelling. A swelling similar to a waterfall.

Mediocre...rabble?

Indeed. On my way here, I cut down three other Servants.

So you'll be my fourth victim.

Oh. Very impressive.

But unfortunately, O mighty Fergus mac Róich, you're quite mistaken.

The fourth victim...will be YOU!

I see. So I guess you aren't just an emperor that orders people about from your throne.

How delightful. I guess there was no need to bring them...

Very well then. I'm Fergus, of the Saber class. I'll face you as one of the queen's knights.

You know, what you're most mistaken about is your destiny. You are truly unlucky.

...What?

You're here, right? Faceless King!

...Ugh!!

...Who's there?

Yeah, yeah. I'll just come on out now.

Hey there, little emperor. I'm impressed you knew I was here.

Call it my sixth sense. I'm quite attuned to the presence of spectators.

Yup, yup. Nothing less from a tyrant always seeking love. Anyway, I'm not the only one who came running here.

Nero!?

Hmm, that voice... I feel like I have heard it somewhere before...

Oh, that's right... You were still alive, back in Rome.

Ahem. Your Majesty, Nero Claudius. I am Mash Kyrielight.

Please accept our humble assistance.

？！

Oh? So we have met somewhere before. You have earned my trust.

Anyway, both of you are my type! What beautiful faces!

You may have the honor of standing beside me! Pleased to meet you, strangers from my past!

...Hehe. Master. Nero is just the same, isn't she?

Hmm. I suppose it is reckless to take on so many.

It would save us a lot of trouble if you would just surrender.

Surely, you jest.

I also shall borrow the power of my queen! Come out, brave soldiers!

!!!

Tch, so they were hiding.

One against seven is a bit tough, but a hundred against seven should be more even.

Oh great... Looks like I can't slack off here.

I do not pardon laziness, mouse. If you wish to serve me, fight for your life.

Got it. Well then Guess it's time to perform my role as an ally of justice!

Ugh!

That's checkmate, General Muscles.

General... Hah, general, you say? Sorry, but I'm no general.

My role is to simply add a little flair to the queen's legend.

I only wished to become her equal in the world this time...

W-Wait, Fergus! Do you know of my bride, Sita?

The wife of a man named Rama, by the name of Sita!

Your bride? I don't know if she was your bride, but I've seen a young woman of similar appearance to you.

Where!?

...Hmph, very well. That was the one thing I found unpleasant in the queen's strategy, after all.

Return to the West, Rama. To Alcatraz Island. Your bride may be there.

Did you say... Alcatraz Island?

Wait, the famous prison island, said to be impossible to escape!?

It's your choice whether to trust me or not.

No... I will. I'll believe you, Fergus mac Róich.

I'll head to Alcatraz Island.

Heroes of India gaze at other people with such pure, beautiful eyes...

Still, good grief

Hm?

???

Huh?

There are so many splendid women here besides the queen.

What a waste, to die at a time like this... Ahahaha!

...A Celtic warrior who can admire beauty? That man Fergus had such fine taste!

No, I think it's just that he doesn't have any standards at all...

Hm? Did you say something?

Oh, nothing. Anyway, what are you doing in an abandoned city like this, Your Majesty?

You can't tell? ...Well, I suppose I can't blame you.

Hehehe, I know. I've got it! This is a plan only a woman with an appreciation for art and beauty could come up with!

We meet again, Saber! It must be fate that we were both summoned to America.

I can hear Mount János whispering to settle things here. To see who has the greater talent!

Oh? ...I thought I sensed something tingling. It must have been you, the devilish singing diva, Elisabeth!

Hehehe. Things must be made clear to you, above all others. Listen well. In fact, everyone should listen...

To my grand plan which is as profound as the deepest abyss!

...I've already got an idea. Well, go right ahead, Your Majesty.

Very well, I shall! Here, I plan to build the city of ultimate fantasy, namely...

Hollywood! That world-renowned palace of amusement!

？！

Yes, such a pleasant reaction, thank you! I see you're a top class Master!

Ugh... To think you've taken one of the two greatest locations in America... Though admittedly I've already taken the other one...

I knew it, Saber... You and I are tied by bonds of true friendship!

We're rivals! And friends who appreciate the same art!

...It's just like we expected, Senpai.

Heroes are amusing, aren't they, Geronimo?

I feel like I understand why the Roman Empire collapsed now.

Treating someone's aesthetic sense is outside of my field.

Do you intend to help me with my plan? I could even promote you to sub-heroine, Mash!

Thank you very much. It's an honor to be the sub-heroine.

...However, Nero. Or should I say, Your Majesty. There's just one problem with your plan.

Hm? What on earth could be the flaw in my perfect plan?

This nation is currently in the middle of a war due to these Celtic warriors.

As it is now, you won't find any cameramen or even an audience!

What!?

(Yup. I know that all too well. I knew that all along!)

N-No wonder a single person hasn't appeared to listen to my rehearsals!

There's a saying in the Orient: "Amusement is only amusing when you have a livelihood."

...Well, it might have been a little different... But close enough.

Very well! In that case, I must make a stand as well! To build a golden city of movies in this land!

Elisabeth, our showdown is on hold. For now, we need to mop up the Celtic warriors in this country!

Yes, I'd expect no less from my rival! I won't lose!

Leave the ticket sales to me! I'll force it on them after they're defeated!

What a beautiful friendship.

Yeah, beautiful... As long as we don't get wrapped up in it.

Anyway, this means Saber's our ally now. We even took down Fergus as a bonus.

Let's consider this to be a good omen.

Excuse me, there's a transmission from the Doctor. Yes, Doctor?

Sorry for interrupting your fun. If you head a little west from your location, you'll find a point with a strong Leyline.

I'd like you to establish a circle and set up a summoning point as usual.

Understood. Everyone, I'm sorry, but there's a place we'd like to go.

But the patient...

Ah, don't worry about that. Once the summoning point is established, we can supply healing spells.

Using that, you can hold out for a while. Securing camp is vital, for Rama's sake as well.