Vlad III's Triumphant Return

I see.

So it won't be possible for me to fight until the Singularity is repaired.

I'm afraid I have one more piece of disappointing news.

That Noble Phantasm took so much out of us that we won't be able to do anything for a while, either.

If we tried to charge at a windmill now, we'd be knocked aside like a blade of grass.

Really, Sancho? Am I that weak now?

I'm afraid so, sir. Try charging Lord Holmes if you don't believe me.

Huh?

All right, I will! Here I come!

Raaaaaah!

(Wavering briefly before simply reaching out a hand and stopping him by catching his head)

Hraaah. Yaaah.

Phew...

Hm. I suppose we can call it a draw. Haha!

Fujimaru, I want you to do a pratfall. Right now.

Look, I don't think you'll be good at it either, but somebody has to!

That's it! Well done!

Is this some sort of ritual with which I'm unfamiliar?

(Wordlessly popping a headache pill)

？！

Hmm.

So you concluded that you required my wisdom, even at the cost of your powers as king of this realm.

Yes. We're simply not capable of taking things beyond this point.

It was clear how things would end if either of the other two kings were to launch a serious assault against us.

Even so, your unwavering willingness to give up the power you were given is no small thing.

It was an act of either great selflessness, or great selfishness.

... ...

I'm sorry. That was no way to speak to my saviors.

Not at all.

Very well then, let's return so I can see the Righteous Realm's city for myself. From there, I'll survey your military capacity and

No, wait. I almost forgot something important I need to do first.

？！

This.

My True Name is Vlad III. I am a Servant of Chaldea, Berserker class.

And now, I have returned to where I belong.

？！

Thank you, Master.

I may not be able to be your spear for the time being, but there are still things I can and must do to help.

... ...

Sir?

That's it... That's exactly how a knight and his lord should behave!

I want that!

...Ahem. Welcome home, sir.

...It's just not the same.

... ...

One more word like that from you, sir, and I'll send you sailing straight down this mountain.

Waah! I'm sorry, milady!

Better.

？！

I suspect that was another of Ms. Sancho's sides. Princess Dulcinea, most likely.

One of the reasons Don Quixote sets off on his journey in his titular story...

...was to tell people far and wide of Princess Dulcinea's beauty.

Hehe. It's a little embarrassing, but it's true.

Can you at least warn me before you transform like that? My poor heart can't take it.

Deal with it♪

Am I the only one concerned about our current situation?

Because it seems to me that losing Vlad III as a fighter is a major setback.

You're not wrong...but in this case, I also don't think it's the whole story.

We have a good number of military assets to work with on both ends.

Up until now though, we've lacked the tactical expertise to make use of them.

So if Vlad can make up for that deficiency, then I think there are still some positives to be gained from this.

I guess that's true... But losing his combat prowess still hurts.

All right, we'll be taking our leave here.

See you back at the throne sooMmf, mmf.

Goodbye!

Very well then, let's take a walk around the city.

Mr. Fujimaru, Kadoc, if you would be so kind as to disguise yourselves as Servants once again, we can be on our way.

...Hmm. There's plenty of life here, but not much drive. Morale is fairly decent.

And yet, on the whole, it's all too...relaxed.

Relaxed... I see.

Since each realm's population is comprised entirely of Servants, universal conscription is a genuinely viable option.

Of course, we wouldn't want everyone to be perpetually mired in despair over the prospect of long-term war...

...for when those who should be helping to fight the war are no longer able to separate it from their daily lives, that's when weariness sets in.

And when conflict is inevitable, weariness can and does lead directly to defeat.

We were told earlier that the Righteous Realm's army is about to begin a training exercise.

Shall we go pay them a visit?

Yes, let's do that.

Hey, Fujimaru.

？！

Do you think this training exercise is going to help much?

Same...

That's just pure optimism. It's not productive.

？！

Swords at the ready! Annnd slash!

Draw, aim... Loose!

Yah! Yah! Yah!

See these spear skills!? This is why they call me "The Gale"!

Only YOU call you that!

(Grumble, grumble...) Why can't I use Rapid Casting?

I know I put in my dues as an alchemist and then some.

Wait. Don't tell me... It's because my tongue is too short, isn't it!?

Oho. They're all going at it a lot harder than I was expecting.

Well, whaddaya know. I don't know much about combat training, but it looks like they're doing a good job.

This is even worse than I thought.

？！

I'd prefer to meet with the kingwith Charles the Great, before I say any more.

There's no sense having the same conversation twice.

Is it that bad?

It is.

Let us say, for the sake of argument, that the situation was entirely in our favor.

By which I mean, imagine that the other two realms have waged all-out war.

And that one side succeeded in wiping out the other, but at the cost of the majority of their soldiers.

Even in that ideal situation, I can tell you that we still could not win.

Th-that bad?

Hmm...

Hmm...

You two. It seems you already understand the problem.

Well, yeah, I guess. I mean, we are technically two of the Twelve Paladins.

So we both have a decent amount of real military experience.

？！

Sure.

Some of them used to be heroes, or in the military, or otherwise fought in some major battles.

The problem is, they're all over the place. There's no unity or teamwork whatsoever.

We can lead small teams well enough, but that's it.

Astolfo and I couldn't possibly lead an entire army. What's more, Diarmuid and Xu Fu are only slightly better than nothing.

From what I've been told, both Kriemhild of the Revenge Realm and Kōnstantînos of the Reinstatement Realm have full control of their armies.

By comparison, our forces are no more than a motley crew of amateurs.

In short, the entire fate of the Righteous Realm...

...rests on whether we can transform this disparate rabble of Servants into a unified army.

So how exactly do we do that?

Since the dawn of recorded history, there has only been one reliable way to turn soldiers into an army.

Training.

I see...

And I do not mean the way it is being done now, wherein each Servant does whatever they please.

They need to be trained to work as a single army and operate as though they were all part of a single organism.

If they cannot do that, then we have no hope of victory.

So to begin, I would like you to inform every Servant in the Righteous Realm that they are to assemble early tomorrow morning for joint training.

All right. We will.

I'll put together an initial lineup and then adjust it over the course of the training.

We need to know whether we would be best served by forming groups composed of all the different classes, or of a single class...

...what sort of units we need, what it is we lack the most...

Everything. We must review every detail.

...Hey, Sancho?

No, sir, you can't relinquish the throne.

How did you know what I was going to say!?

Look, I'm not proud of this, but even I know I'm not the best choice for this job!

Sancho is right. Unfortunately, I currently lack the strength to stand on the front line myself.

More importantly, you have already claimed to be Charles the Great.

None of the other Servants here would accept me suddenly taking over as your successor.

You are Charles the Great now, and there is nothing you can do to change that.

Ulp...

Escape is no longer an option.

Even if the path before you requires scaling a sheer wall, you must find a way to crawl up and reach the other side.

Whatever you do, you cannot fall. Use whatever lies or bluster you need to hold yourself in place. You are an emperor. You cannot change that.

... ...Okay...

It's all right, sir. Don't worry.

If worse comes to worst, I'll figure something out.

...Nnn...

Hmm.

(Ms. Sancho sounded fully confident in her ability to make good on her pledge. Based on his story, that should have been enough to set Don Quixote's mind at ease.)

(But, judging by the look on his face...he is positively racked with guilt.)

... ...

I expect all of you to attend the training tomorrow as well. That of course includes you, Master.

While you won't be able to summon Servants with so many watchful eyes nearby, as long as you don't have them use Noble Phantasms...

...you should be able to pass yourself off as a Caster who calls upon shadow soldiers to fight for you.

？！

Kadoc, as a mage and Master, I want you to provide advice.

Damn, that's quite the job. I'll do the best I can.

Holmes, you are a great detective. I am certain you can see things I cannot.

Even if you may lack military expertise, it would be a great help if you would keep an eye out for them. Will you?

Of course.

There you have it, Master. Glad to have you on the team!

Um, what about us?

You two have the most difficult task of all.

What's that?

Wait, and trust that we will complete our tasks. You are not to do anything more than that.

Really? So I'm just supposed to do nothing?

You are Charles the Great. You can neither reveal your true identity nor take part in battle yourself.

Your job is to have faith in your subordinates.

...Yes, sir!

Master, Kadoc, I urge you two to get some rest. I shall do the same.

？！

Hm? Lord Fujimaru?

Is something the matter?

？！

Hah! Well, elderly folks like me are notoriously light sleepers. You're much too young for that.

Sancho!

I'm here, sir. Shall I make some cocoa then?

I knew you'd know what to do, my wonderful maid.

Hehehe, thank you, sir. Okay then, I'll be back shortly.

？！

It's a long story. You see...one thing led to another and here we are.

That's really all it boils down to.

I knew I was a Servant of Proper Human History, which immediately put me at odds with the other Servants.

I suppose you could say it was a stroke of luck.

I was just about to say something to them when Sancho clapped a hand over my mouth and acted like we were on their side.

Then, with what we learned by sneaking into the Revenge Realm, I knew things couldn't go on as they were.

I may have been able to retain my body in that realm, but I would have lost my mind. I'm a coward, you see.

And the Reinstatement Realm wasn't much better.

Their motives and methods may differ from the Revenge Realm, but they were still rebelling against Proper Human History.

I agonized over what we should do, and ultimately, I decided to move to an area where neither realm had much influence.

The next thing I knew, we were surrounded by other Servants who felt the same way and ran away with us.

It was Sancho who came up with the idea of creating a place for these ServantsServants on the side of Proper Human History.

Me? All I did was run around in a tizzy.

I was only useful on the few occasions we had to fight Demonic Beasts...

...and when I volunteered once we concluded that someone would have to be this new realm's ruler.

？！

No, it wasn't. It really wasn't.

For one thing, I wasn't even summoned in my prime. Both my mind and body are way past the sell-by date, if you take my meaning.

My story both begins and ends with me as an old man.

This is the only way I'm known. That's why I look the way I do.

Haha. I was so nervous when I first pretended to be Charles the Great, I thought I was going to throw up.

？！

Because these lonely nights are the only times I can go back to being of reasonably sound mind.

Grim as that may sound.

Here's your cocoa, sir. Lord Fujimaru.

Great. Thank you, Sancho.

？！

My pleasure.

Mmm, nice and sweet. Just the way I like it.

？！

Hehehe, I'm glad you like it.

Mmm.

This cocoa is so good, I feel like it's making me forget I'm a knight...

Oh my. Then I'd better take it away right now.

Please don't. This is one of the few pleasures I have at my age.

I was only joking.

？！

Not at all. I only made a suggestion.

I'm also one of the world's most helpful maids, you see.

If my sir wants something, it's my job to make it happen.

He took over rulership of this realm because it was the safest position for him to be in.

We'd be treated like any other foot soldier if we went to fight on the front lines.

And I didn't want us to die right after being summoned, so...

I pretty much only say "indeed" when I'm on the throne.

That hardly matters for royalty. It's rather like how teenagers see their parents.

You mean as a nuisance!?

You need only be proud and domineering. That's really all a king, or emperor needs.

If you say so...

What do you think, Lord Fujimaru?

？！

Exactly. You see, sir?

Like I said. Stand tall. Be domineering.

I see... Yeah, I can do that. After all, my name doesn't sound too far off from "Dom" Quixote!

I...I'm sorry for that...

？！

Oh, sir...

Stop that! I don't need your pity! It's only making me more miserable!

So you think so too, huh? ...Hmm.

Yes, that's true. One should take important matters into their own hands.

And conversely, when they're not important, one should leave well enough alone.

Okay. I'll do that...

Basically, right now, you just have to stick to what you're already doing.

I guess so...

？！

... ...

Oh? Are you sure you wouldn't like to talk a little more?

No... He should get some rest. He has an early morning tomorrow.

？！

Was that a mistake?

...It's hard to say. I'd have to work up the courage to apologize.

What do you think of the Master of Chaldea, Sancho?

We both know how terrible a judge of character I am.

...I think he's a good person. And above all, I think he's very willing to forgive others their mistakes.

Sir, you do know what Chaldea coming here means, right?

It means he and his companions have come a long way to be here. So there's no need to feel bad for them.

I know. But still...

I'm afraid there's nothing I can do about this, sir. It is all down to you.

Though of course

Hm?

Depending on how things go, an apology might be the last thing they need.

... ...

I guess we should head back to the throne. It's time to return to my duties as Charles the Great.

Good day, everyone. My True Name is Vlad III.

I come on behalf of Charles the Great, who has asked that I lend my support to the Righteous Realm.

Unfortunately, I have lost my own Servant powers due to...extenuating circumstances.

However, as a result...

...His Imperial Majesty has seen fit to trust me with full command of this army.

You may consider me your general, marshal, or whatever other high-status position suits you.

If any of you object, speak now.

...Hmm. I am glad to see none take issue with my leadership.

Now then, without further ado, I would like to begin your military training.

From this point on, you must act as a single army rather than individual heroes.

Together, you will form multiple units, all of which will combine to create a unified armed force.

I am, of course, aware that it will take more than my say-so to convince you of the merits of this new direction.

I understand why this may concern you. Your individual exploits are what made you Heroic Spirits.

I'm sure many of you believe you are strong enough to be better off doing as you please.

Which is why I would like to start with a training exercise.

I will form a unit of my own, but I will keep its numbers to a bare minimum.

Here is the scenario. My unit will defend a fortress, and the rest of you will surround and attack it.

However, my unit will also soon be receiving reinforcements.

As the attackers, your objective is to break through our defenses and claim the fortress as your own.

With such overwhelming numbers on your side, your victory should be all but assured. Failure is not an option.

As you will begin with such a tremendous advantage, you will surely not refuse, yes?

They should carry out their duties faithfully, having been chosen ahead of time.

Indeed.

But if I may, Lord Vlad, can you tell me why you chose a siege?

Because defense is where I excel. Because if we win, none of the other Servants will have any right to complain.

Haha, now I see!

Caster, Fujimaru.

？！

As I told you earlier, you can't have your Servants use their Noble Phantasms. But, you also don't need to defeat our opponents.

This battle will be a test of endurance. I urge you to take that into consideration when creating your lineup.

I am adding Holmes, Roland, and Xu Fu to your group.

This fortress has intentionally been built with a hole in its defenses that could let the enemy easily occupy the entire fort should they break through.

Our opponents will most likely attempt to claim victory through brute force at first. If and when that fails, they will eventually notice the hole in our defenses.

But, looking at it from a different perspective...

...if that is where they focus their attention, their assault will become quite predictable.

Remember, whether you are playing offense or defense, analyzing and predicting your opponent's actions is the most important thing you can do.

Now, go hide by the hole and wait for my signal.

？！

Good. I'm counting on you.

Hey, again. So, like before, I'll be backing you up, but I'm not gonna do any fighting myself.

Why the look? You think I'm trying to get off easy again or something?

I don't exactly see you getting ready to jump into the fray either, you know. Bleeeah. (Sticking her tongue out)

Okay, that's enough of that. Now hit us with that spell already, would you?

Fiiine. Blah blah blah...and hup.

？！

Oh, get off my case. It's not the words, it's the heart that goes into them. Capisce?

It didn't really sound like your heart was in it to me, but whatever. I'm empty-minded like that!

Are you sure you don't mean "broad-minded"? Having an empty mind isn't usually a good thing.

Whup, here they come.

This fortress has been built with a secret side gate on the right side of the back gate.

It's not big enough for a wagon, but it could easily let a group of humans through.

Or at least, that's apparently the planned scenario. And our opponents know about this as well.

So we shouldn't have to worry about Riders trying to make their way through.

Instead, according to Count Vlad's estimations...

...we should expect to see Servants who excel in close-range combat, like Sabers, Lancers, and Assassins.

...Here they come.

Now!

Dammit, it's an ambush! Fall back!

Huh!? You want us to fall back now!?

Hahahaha! All right, let's go to town on them, shall we!?

Wheee! Beating up on helpless targets feels so good!

Nice strategy, losers! You just couldn't resist that sweet, juicy bait, could you♪

Khh... That Caster of theirs is just nasty! And what's with that hideous doll she's carrying!?

...You're dead!!!

？！

Agreed. We've got about five seconds before Lady Xu Fu rushes in and starts punching faces. We must stop them before that happens!

Retreat! Retreat!

Dammit, I really thought this was a good idea!

I can't believe we lost to this ragtag bunch! I've brought shame upon my order!

You said it. How the hell did riffraff like this get the better of us!?

Yeah, YOU BETTER RUN, you rat bastards! I'm coming to punch your lights out right now!

I'm getting outta heeere!

Don't think they'll be coming back anytime soon. Thanks, Xu Fu. All right, it looks like our work here is done.

It looks like things are playing out more or less as we expected...but let's go check in with Count Vlad to make sure.

...I am officially taking command of this army, and I shall be training you in what ways I deem best.

I take it there are no objections?

No...sir...

He's a demon... A demon, I tell you...

I still don't know what happened. It felt like there was nothing we could do to win.

I can't believe I couldn't destroy one piddling fortress. Some hero I turned out to be...

I expected this to happen, but it was truly impressive seeing it all play out. Oh, this is Sancho, by the way.

That was terrifying... Terrifying...

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Oh yes, we're fine. The castle is almost deserted right now.

I never understood how terrifying a fully unified army could be until today.

Yes, sir. I knew saving him was the right choice.

Now that Count Vlad is in charge of our military affairs, we should be more than equal to the task ahead.

Indeed. So then...

Yes. I think now is the time to make our own move. After we discuss it with Count Vlad.

Thank you all once again for your help.