Sympathy for the Soldier

...How'd it go?

I'm done scouting. Geez. I'm really overusing "No Face May King."

We can't help it. If I went scouting, it would cause a huge uproar.

I guess that's true! But anyway...

It seems like they intend to hold a large-scale parade along this major street.

A parade? Why would they do that?

That I don't know.

Still, that's definitely what those Celts are preparing.

A parade... How outrageous! No, enviable!

Isn't that the opposite!?

Archer. What a sad man... Have you never held a parade?

Why would I? I'm just a regular guy.

Parades are great... All the people shouting my name, the orderly troops marching along in perfect step.

One wave of the hand, and I'm showered with "Wonderful!" "Superb!" "Hurray!" "Lady Nero, sleep with me!"

Umu, now I want to hold a parade, too.

...I see. That sounds like an exciting time for anyone. Let's take out the target at the parade.

Target who, exactly?

The Servant with the highest honors held at the parade... Although it might not be a Servant.

Billy. At a parade, the person of highest influence must also stand out the most.

That's the whole point of the event. But that also makes it a good opportunity for assassination.

Hmm, it's not easy being a show-off.

Robin, did you notice any Servants lurking about?

I sensed two. If there were any others, they weren't within my detection range.

The two there are surrounded by Celtic warriors.

So most of the Servants are absent...

But we don't know for sure. They could have just been outside of Robin's range.

There's always the possibility of an ambush.

I'm an Archer. My Servant detection range is pretty far, you know?

Then again, Servants can indeed close in from outside detection range in an instant...

What should we do, Geronimo?

...We have to do it. This is undoubtedly a golden opportunity.

We didn't have to fight on the way here at all. Meanwhile, Mash and company made a bold move out in the West.

I'm sure the enemy is already aware of our actions.

They might feel that something is up, but they surely don't think we have this many Servants lined up.

Yes. So what should we do?

Nero, what kind of Noble Phantasm do you have?

Hm? My Noble Phantasm? My Noble Phantasm is

I see. Then we'll use that. There's no need to hold back on using Noble Phantasms. We'll end things here.

Umu! This is a great stage for our big moment!

Understood. Let's end this quickly, and make our escape.

Yeah, let's do our best!

Then let's follow the plan.

I'll use "No Face May King" to disappear and get close... Make way for the Faceless King!

That woman's standing above the Celtic warriors I see, she's the queen!

Everyone! Thank you so much for coming here to see me, Medb!

This nation belongs to the Eternal King!

A nation of Cú and myself, made by Cú and myself, for Cú and myself!

Be honored that you serve us 24 hours a day. Rejoice that you are our subordinates 24 hours a day.

Justice, honor, and glory all belong to us!

Robin!

Got it. Removing "No Face May King"! Go, Saber!

Yes, leave it to me!

Hm?

Queen Medb! You may look cute, but your reign comes to an end now!

Sunlight of spring, dancing flowers! The winds of May that brush your cheeks! The blessed bells that ring all the way beyond stella!

Open, Nuptiae Domus Aurea!

Could this be... a Reality Marble!? No, this is different. This is Magecraft! Unwavering, unhesitant Magecraft!

It's so beautiful! I want this Noble Phantasm!

This Noble Phantasm is beyond you, but we have a great banquet for you tonight! Brace yourself!

Queen of Connacht, Medb! Sorry, but we'll be taking your head!

Here goes!

Oh my, so many! And because of this barrier, my warriors are weakened, too!

This is bad! I'm in big trouble! Big, big trouble!

Save me, my king!

Bring on your so-called king!

This is the moment of truth. Put some spirit into this!

Wait. I've got a bad feeling!

Haaaaah!

Ugh... He has this much strength inside my Golden Theater!?

A bold plan, but a failure. You should have targeted me, not Medb.

Child of Light, Cú Chulainn! Still in that ominous form, I see.

It seems you're the holder of the Holy Grail!

Huh? I don't care about the Grail. I gave that thing to Medb.

Then what's this strength!? You're within Nero's Bounded Field!

I wished for it!

What!?

I wished for Cú to "become a king"! A strong and wicked king, who could stand equal to me!

I see. If it's a wish upon the Grail, it's no wonder he can surpass this Bounded Field...

That doesn't matter. All I sought was this situation. I decided to reign supreme as "king," and fight with all my might.

...Oh? So you're a "king"? Let me ask you as an emperor. How do you intend to take the right of leadership?

I'll fight, kill, and conquer. That's all.

...Is that really all?

I'm not the type to rule through wisdom. Besides, everyone living on this land is a warrior.

I'll take everything, kill everyone, and dominate everywhere... Then, when there's nothing left I will return to the void.

What... In that case, you're no different from a mindless beast!

And what's wrong with that? We were born into an era that's neither dream nor reality.

If everything's an illusion to begin with, we should all vanish without building anything, no?

So you would deny prosperity... You are not fit to be a king!

Oh, but he is.

The qualification to be king is absolute strength. Enough to declare domination and create a nation alone.

That alone is enough for people to follow. Everything else can be handled by others.

I mean, mankind is enslaved by strength. The weak will cling to the strong as long as they get to pick up the leftover glory.

That's just the way of the world. Aren't you the same?

Hah. I like lions, but mad dogs aren't my cup of tea. When it comes down to it, you're just another dog, a bitch, who seduced a lion.

That's fine. I don't mind being a bitch. I don't mind at all.

I mean, I fell in love. What am I supposed to do? That's right... Ever since the day I failed to take Ulster!

A warrior who wouldn't become mine, a man who didn't heed to my will.

A great hero who protected his nation alone, who boasted to none, and ended his life with a smile!

As far as I know, Cú Chulainn is stronger than anyone or anything, and I've always loved him!

I see. Then watch as the man you love falls!

Here I go!

We're right behind you!

Got it! ...Wait, are you kidding me?

A Servant...

To be perfectly honest, I thought Cú would be more than enough here.

But I figured I'd have one more as backup, just in case. I'm so smart!

...

Oh dear. Don't look at me like that, Cú. This doesn't mean that I don't trust you, okay?

But sometimes there's strength in numbers, you know? Like right now.

...I'll handle that woman. Take care of the other weaklings.

Excited?

No. This is a matter of principle. If she calls herself an emperor, then it's my duty as a king to crush her.

Okay♪ Then go right ahead and handle the others, Arjuna!

Did she say... Arjuna!?

What!?

Arjuna, the eternal archenemy of Karna?

This is the worst... To think that they have something like that hidden up their sleeve! I underestimated them!

...I have no intention of making you suffer. Please let me finish my duty quickly.

What should we do, Geronimo?

Robin!

What!?

Take the communicator.

Use "No Face May King" and get out of here. We'll buy you some time.

!!!

What are you doing, Archer!? Go!

Unfortunately, I can't leave this place. I cannot afford to leave!

I need to teach this man a thing or two about how to conduct oneself as a king!

Listen well. You must live, and meet up with Fujimaru. We haven't been defeated yet.

Just go! Then return to this land with the song of victory!

...That's a tough order, but I got it. I'll be getting out of here first, Your Majesty.

Yes, that's more like it, Hunter of the Forest. I'm counting on you.

Now then Sorry to keep you waiting, Cú Chulainn.

So, thorny man. I think you're overdoing it a bit with that imposing look.

You're right, but give me a break. This is me holding it back as much as I can.

Got that, girl? If you intend to win, you've got to settle things before it bursts open.

Now, why don't you show me how a king is supposed to act?

I have no intention of learning, though. Stuff like that isn't tasty.

Umu. It's not tasty, but it's meaningful. King of Beasts, I'll beat some humanity into you!

There seem to be some survivors left. We should eliminate them as soon as possible.

Right. Once we're done with this assassination, I need to have that singing match with Saber, after all.

I-I see... I hope that works out for you...

Now, let's leave this island.

Wait! Enemy signals detected Servants closing in!

These are...the first enemy Servants you met!

The first enemy Servants... Fionn mac Cumhaill and Diarmuid Ua Duibhne!

Hey there, Lady Mash. Do you remember my promise from before?

...Oh, that...

Yes, I'm serious this time. That is, if you manage to survive your defeat!

You'll be mine. In other words, I want you as my bride.

A proposal? That was a marriage proposal just now! Mash, you're unexpectedly popular!

No. I already declined... Or rather, considering the situation, it's out of the question...

Now, don't say that. We've been moved by your tremendous courage, Lady Mash.

Hm, Diarmuid can't stand women, and even he's interested! Hehehe, are you sweeping her off her feet right before my eyes again?

I-I wouldn't do something like that... I'm not even thinking about it!

I just, I simply admire Lady Mash for her unwavering courage, that's all...

Hahaha, I'm joking. I took it too far. Don't worry about it.

I should be the one begging for forgiveness, after all. Yes, I really can't do anything about this personality of mine.

However, that's enough. I'll stop joking around. I'll let go of all the grudges I had in life. That's because

Young warrior, we are here to fight side by side. There is no greater joy than that on this earth.

!!! Of course. That's most certain, my king!

We can make up for their numbers with our own. Beowulf, what say you?

...Huh? I don't feel like it. I'm going back east.

Besides, I didn't take on this job because I wanted to.

I see. Do as you please. Very well... We'll fight this one by ourselves.

...Here they come! A large army of Celtic warriors!

Well, didn't you resurrect a mighty Servant who could stand up to this army?

...That's right! Master, there's no need to worry.

My Noble Phantasm is a divine blade, bestowed by Brahma. Sheer numbers are no match for me!

Not to mention, I am now one with Sita!

If you seek to defeat me, bring a million soldiers and their leader with ten heads and twenty arms to face me!

This is nothing!! Hahaha! I feel great today, I could face another 10,000 opponents!

Wow, you're doing really well there, prince. I won't lose either!

Get to work, ghosts of Csejte. Now, I'll charm you with this hit song of mine!

Wait, wait, wait! You're a Servant, but you're also a nurse, right?

Yes, I'm a nurse. That's why I intend to kill you.

That's some strange reasoning! Tch... That didn't work!

How is it strange? You're like patients, delirious with a fever.

If I don't cure it, you won't be saved! That's why I intend to save you, even if I have to kill you!

Mm... Your reasoning is absurd, but your beliefs are real. I take back what I said earlier.

Your attempts to save others are noble. But I still serve my king.

As long as I am alive, I will die for his life! Bring it!

As long as you are alive... Is that so? Well then, allow me to relieve you of your royal duties!

We have you now, Fionn mac Cumhaill and Diarmuid Ua Duibhne!

Very well. It's finally time to settle this! Will we get married or not? Let's begin the fight!

My King, please don't let your guard down on account of your bride's beauty. She is already a powerful foe. Please give up this talk of marriage.

Hahahaha! A shame, but of course, Diarmuid! Did you think we could defeat them whilst holding back?

No, not at all.

Right? Heh heh, as long as we're Servants... we can't escape from this desire.

To battle the strong. To carve away at life and soul.

That's why the Holy Grail War continues! ...Thinking of it that way, our king is quite an exception.

He's no doubt the most powerful warrior, so I can't believe he doesn't feel any joy!

...He feels no joy?

Heh. Go meet him if you want to know more. Although he shows no mercy to his enemies!

That's enough idle chat.

I am Diarmuid Ua Duibhnethe first spear of the Knights of Fianna! Here I come!

Yes, agreed! I am Fionn mac Cumhaill, captain of the Knights of Fianna! To battle!

Ugh...

My king! ...Guh, I can't go on...

Haha... Well, it can't be helped. I fought plenty, I've had my fill.

Diarmuid, I'm quite satisfied. But are you still not content?

...Yes. I thought victory would be ours this time.

Well, to be honest. I didn't care if we won or lost this time.

When I was alive, I became more and more tainted.

The glimmer in my eyes wallowed within politics. The treasure, power, and duty I won tied me down more and more.

It was painful. So painful, yet I couldn't let it go.

I fear that's why I envied you so much, as you were trying to die for your love.

My king... You...

We fought together. In a pure yet avaricious pursuit of victory.

I'm satisfied... Although to be honest, it's regrettable that I couldn't take Lady Mash as my own...

...I'm very sorry. I can't accept your request.

Yes, I've been rejected! Now I shall pass on... Without regretfully clinging onto this world.

Would you accompany me, Diarmuid?

Yes, sir!

As for you, Berserker. Do you not seek to heal your own wounds?

That's not necessary. I have neither the time nor the means to heal myself.

My heart is torn to pieces by the simple existence of patients, after all.

That's why... If I was to be healed, it would be when there are no more patients in the world.

Until then, I will bear any wound as compensation.

I see. You are broken, yet beautiful. Your conviction is like a dazzling jewel.

Next time I'm summoned, I'd like to aid your cause. What do you think, making passes at my next bridal candidate?

What is there to say? It's very like you to do so, my king.

Yes, very well! It was worthwhile being summoned, if only because I was able to live youthfully until death!

Farewell, defenders of order! Let us meet again, if fate allows!

Confirmed elimination of Spirit Origins.

...Light and cheerful to the very end... Quite the pleasant pair.

But considering how they gathered such a large force here, the assassination by the others must have gone well... Right?

We've received a transmission. Huh? It's not Geronimo, but Robin Hood?

I'll switch to open transmission.

Sorry. We screwed up.

!!! Tell us what happened, Robin!

Old Man Geronimo, Billy, and Saber... Nero. They're probably all gone.

What? Hey, what are you talking about?

I'm heading to an abandoned Western United States base. Do you know the coordinates? I might need you to come right away.

...Understood.

？！

Fou...

...I don't know. Doctor, do you know the location Robin specified?

Y-Yeah. Of course. Obtaining communicator coordinatescode received.

I'll send you the shortest route to the destination. Head over there right away.

...You're kidding. That was a lie, right? He was just joking with us, right?