Prologue: "Lisa del Giocondo's Graceful Holiday"

I can't believe this.

This is impossible. It's just not possible, but...this is without a doubt "me."

...Wait, no. This is "me," and yet it isn't.

The skill is not all there, but the passion is. That passion is forcing "me" to become more like "me."

Actually, I'm a little bit put off by this passion...

The passion on this canvas... It's like wearing layers of coats in the summer, with the heat on full blast, and eating hot udon all at the same time.

How do I know!? That's because I'm always a perver... I mean, passionate!

Anyway, back on topic.

Curse you! Who would do something so blasphemous!?

I can't just sit around like this. At this rate, Romani will lecture me... I mean...

This is a problem that could cause the Foundation of Humanity to collapse, thus creating a new Singularity!

Okay! Activating emergency alarm system! Everyone, assemble!

...Trace ...On.

I see... So this is how you create your twin blades.

I was wondering how you get them back so fast every time they shatter.

Fou, fou. Fou, fou.

Yes. However, it's more accurate to say that I create a copy that's not better or worse than the original.

No matter how similar it is to the real thing, it's never as strong. I guess fiction is too light to support the weight of reality.

Although my projections must be similar to the originals. However, even if I create an identical copy, it's no more than reflections on the surface of water.

They're nothing more than counterfeits, different from the originals.

？！

It would take a while to explain everything, so let me skip that for now.

However, that doesn't mean the counterfeits will always perform worse than the originals, if we're just talking numbers.

If both of them perform equally well, it's not the "objects" themselves that decide which is better, but the "audience."

It's not really a nice topic for the people who made the originals...

However, humans are a species that constantly aims for the future. The concept of improvement is necessary to move forward.

Originals made from scratch are valuable, yes, but so are the imitations derived from them.

My projections are just copies, but the imitations in this world are originals that have been developed further.

What starts from one expands out into infinite possibilities and shapes the future.

I see. That's very deep.

Anyway, let's get back to cleaning the rooms. Master, are you keeping your room clean?

Excellent. One's room is the reflection of their mind.

The fact that you keep your room tidy reflects your personality.

Oh, you mean at Halloween and Christmas? Remember, one's room is the reflection of their mind.

In other words, you are the type that gets excited whenever there's an event.

？！

Hehehe, he's right on the spot, huh? Senpai.

Hmm?

Fou?

The emergency alarm... Something is happening, Senpai!

Doctor, is there an emergency?

Sorry I'm late! What was that emergency alarm just now?

You just got here? Wait, aren't you the one who sounded the alarm?

I'd feel better if that was me, but it wasn't. Normally I'd be tuning Chaldea's reactor at this hour.

Then, who could it be?

Ahem. Testing, testing! Testing, testing! As this is an emergency situation, I have taken over the intercom.

Attention all Servants who can stand by and accept our Master's recklessness with a smile.

Empty your minds and come to my workshop immediately!

Of course, you are to bring your weapons. Oh, Romani is annoying so he can't come.

You have one minute! Now hop to it!

Hey, what happened?

...It seems to be something she can't say for now. Anyway, let's head over there.

Oh, there you are! As expected, Fujimaru!

I knew you'd come, too, Mash! Hmm, and it looks like you've also brought... Huh, only Emiya?

I thought surely seven nosy Servants would be lured here...

I think once they found out the alarm was from the Da Vinci Workshop, none of them wanted to come anymore.

I on the other hand was already talking to Fujimaru, so I simply tagged along.

Whaaaaat? Am I really that unpopular?

Of course. Maybe you should change that attitude of yours. I heard even Dr. Tesla can understand other people's feelings more.

Ugh. Romani. Why did you come? I told you not to!

If you tell someone not to come, of course their curiosity will get the better of them!

What did you do this time? I may be a coward, but even I get mad sometimes.

You misunderstand. This time it's not just my problem, but the entirety of Chaldea's problem.

Excuse me. This time, and every time. I am your technical advisor, after all.

That's right. We're in such big trouble I feel like my rationality is gonna be gone like Astolfo.

？！

Okay, there's no time. I will get to the point!

I have reached the truth of this world. At last, I have identified its lies!

Oh, hello? Medical team? Do you have a spare bed? We have a weirdo here who's gone insane.

If you're not going to listen then leave!

Doctor, I know how you feel, but let's hear her out for now.

Regardless of his personality, he I mean she is the universal genius, Leonardo da Vinci.

There has to be some truth in her words, right?

Well, I suppose so, but... That's what makes it worse.

Yes, as expected from the Hero of Wrought Iron. Nice save, Emiya!

Makers will never forget how to respect one another. Maybe Romani should show more respect for me.

That would be an issue, Da Vinci. Now, what do you mean by the world's lies?

Right. First, take a look at this.

This is

Hahaha. I won't deny that. A lot of blood and money has been shed for this painting, hasn't it?

She has a smug look on her face for some reason, Senpai!

How could you say that in front of the greatest painting in history? ...Well, I'll admit I made a ton of money copying and pasting the same painting.

She's admitting it, Senpai!

？！

Hahaha. Well, anyway. This is indeed the Craft Essence, Mona Lisa.

However, this one wasn't made by my workshop.

...I could tell. It's very well-done, but it's a counterfeit. It's very meticulous, but I can sense anger from it as well.

It's a step below the one created by Ms. Da Vinci, which costs more than a thousand Mana Prisms, a VERY VALUABLE magical resource.

I sense sarcasm in your words, but that's right! This is a counterfeit!

To think someone would... Copy! My! MONA LISA!

I don't mean copy-and-paste! Each was painted from scratch!

That's amazing. I can't tell the difference at all.

You can spot a poorly made counterfeit from the technique.

If it's a well-made counterfeit, you can naturally tell the difference from the aura it gives off.

All creative works, not just swords, contain the ideals, emotions, and likes and dislikes of the one who made them.

If one is desperate... No, if one puts their life on the line to feel the same way the original creator did, then it would be hard to tell the difference.

This Mona Lisa...is incredible in its intensity and passion. Unfortunately, what it's lacking in is technique.

It's a rare counterfeit that seeks to make up for its lack of skill with passion. Usually it's the other way around.

Indeed. By the way, is your class Artist?

It's Archer. So, what's wrong with this counterfeit?

There's nothing wrong with having a passionate follower, right? Isn't that what all creators want?

Actually... Mona Lisa hasn't been selling well lately.

？！

THEY DO SELL! They're the biggest hit from my workshop!

But all of a sudden they stopped selling! I thought it was strange and went to look, and found this!

At first glance, they look the same and kinda have similar effects, but the price is only a tenth of the original!

I'm sure you understand what I'm trying to say now, right!?

I didn't want to hear it... But you're right!

The truth is so cruel... But that's what will happen at this rate!

？！

Right, right. So basically an underworld broker is selling better Craft Essences for cheaper than Da Vinci's workshop.

What's wrong with that? You're supposed to be in charge of Sheba and the summoning system anyway.

No one likes this workshop anyway, so maybe you can just let the fake

I will straight-up murder you, Romani.

Oh, right! Sorry!

Ahem. Oopsies! My real personality came out☆ Back to what we were saying

Listen. Whoever's making this counterfeit is undeniably evil!

(...I don't know. It feels twisted, but the passion within it is pure...)

And so, Fujimaru, I want you to find out who's making these...

...and defeat them, no questions asked!

Finding and arresting an underworld broker? That doesn't sound like Senpai's job...

No, it most certainly is Fujimaru's job. I mean, whoever is doing it can only be evil.

They must be the kind of demon that's filled with enough maliciousness to destroy this world.

They're probably the strongest enemy you've ever faced, but don't worry! This time... I'll be going with you!

Gwah!? No, no! What are you saying, Leonardo?

Chaldea needs you! If you're defeated, our effectiveness will drop by half!

As the person in charge here, I can't allow that! You can't leave over something that doesn't matter...

Hmm? It doesn't matter, you say?

R-Right. Art is at the core of your soul, huh? I'll get the Rayshift ready.

That's Da Vinci for you...

...Well, I can't think of a way to stop Leonardo if she's already this angry...

And to tell the truth, we can't ignore the question of where these counterfeits are coming from.

？！

Oh, right. I had a pressure cooker running in my room. The beef for my stew should be done now.

Hey! Emiya!

Tch! I was too late!

Ah! Emiya-senpai, you were trying to run, weren't you?

No... I wasn't... Fine, I was.

It's just that I'm busy. I have to tune my weapons, clean my room, chat with the operator girl...

As you can see, a Servant has many duties.

Good point, but I've already finished cleaning all the rooms.

W-Well... You see... These kind of events aren't really my forte...

Let's go, Master, Emiya-senpai! Let's go on a journey to find the counterfeits!

The more, the merrier! Right now the more sensible Servants around the better.

I haven't had this bad a feeling since that space rocket! For Senpai's sake too! Please!

So you're asking not for your own sake, but your Master's... In that case...Hmmm...

Mash is really growing up...

？！

Of course. All I can do right now is keep you safe!

...Humph. Very well. I give up. I'll go with you.

So? Where are we going first? You must have some idea, Ms. Da Vinci.

Of course. Just leave that to me! Okay, Roman, I'm going to borrow the Rayshift for a bit.

Don't worry. With Fujimaru's help we can solve this is no time!

Off to the Rayshift we go! Wow, my first Rayshift! I'm so nervous!

Now, after tracing and observing the Spiritron information on the counterfeits, I've concluded they came from these coordinates in this era.

Hmmm, it's been so long since I stepped outside of Chaldea. The feeling of dirt, the breeze on my cheeks...

It's good to be alive, isn't it, Fujimaru?

Come, come, let's go find that jerk who's making all the counterfeits!

Da Vinci's really excited!

She's been cooped up in her workshop until now. She's probably both an indoor and outdoor person.

Let's start by heading for the town. The first thing we need is information.

There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the town. It's very peaceful and pleasant.

Yes. Let's start with something basic. We'll show the counterfeit to someone passing by.

Yes, I understand.

？！

What is it?

... ...

... ...

... ...

Get 'em!

Roger!

That escalated quickly! Let's finish this and go home!

What is this sudden attempt at arrest?

Every fight has its reasons. Even if we are in the wrong, shouldn't you tell us why!?

Some truths can only be found through dialogue! Let's talk about this! That's how I win!

I already know that talking with you is a trap that we can't fall into!

What... Have we done business together once before!?

So it seems... How sad... Trust is such a fragile thing...

？！

That's right, Master!

Hmm... If conversation is impossible, I suppose I'll act like a politician, and settle things by force.

Because I'd like to get rid of the negative image that "if anything bad happens, it's probably Caesar!"

I agree, Caesar. I, P, know exactly how you feel.

I'm opposed to violence, but I will join in the fight. Don't worry. It's possible to brainwash them mid-battle.

I want to say this loud and clear! We are innocent!

Hey, making someone laugh before battle is not right! I almost dropped my staff!

How can you honestly claim that you're innocent?

？！

We swear we're innocent!

It's true!

Selling those counterfeits for cheap wouldn't bring in any money anyway.

First I'd tell the customer that I'm offering the real Mona Lisas! Then I'd buy up all of the Craft Essences from Da Vinci.

Why? Because as long as I've got the real ones with me, the customers would be willing to pay full price...

without having to worry about them being fakes! To just distribute the counterfeits for free like that

I swear to you on my very soul. I would never do something so wasteful!

This Caesar is also the real thing!

Indeed. He knows that trust is the strongest foundation for a business.

Even if I did make Mona Lisa counterfeits... I don't think that would have any good effect on the world.

The Mona Lisa is the pinnacle of art. Not many paintings share that same level of fame.

Degrading it to the level of counterfeits is unthinkable even in the world of magecraft.

...However, if something can be created by sacrificing the original, I guess that would be all right...

It wouldn't be all right! My heart would sustain heavy damage!

？！

But... I guess the two of them aren't behind the counterfeits.

I'm sorry...we got ahead of ourselves.

Humph. Don't be sad, oh girl who is plump and firm in a different way than me.

After all, we secretly Rayshifted here because we heard about the rumors of the counterfeits.

I thought I could use Paracelsus as a decoy and brought him here... Hahaha, I didn't expect to get caught before we split up.

It's embarrassing, but I thought the same thing.

I was going to stand behind Caesar and use Sword P to get rid of both him and the counterfeiter.

I think that mage over there needs to reconsider what "embarrassing" means... Anyway...

For now, we're the ones asking questions. I would have you tell us everything you know about the counterfeits.

We're sure there's a group of counterfeiters in this town. My "money sensor" tells me so.

But there's one problem. I'm told a Servant is running the counterfeiter's workshop.

...What!?

A-A Servant! ...I see. That explains it.

But who could it be? Michelangelo? Raphael? Or perhaps... Donatello?

There's so many... Him? Her? Who?

I can guess what kind of relationships Leonardo da Vinci had in life.

I don't know who it is myself. Their workshop is here. Go pay them a visit.

Okay, thanks! Off to the counterfeiter's workshop, everyone!