Section 2: Counterfeit "Mr. Dandy"

So this is our next stop... Isn't it a bit cold?

We are in the north after all. Are you okay, Master?

An outdoors type, huh.

I see... Your reindeer experience... Reindeer?

Reindeer... Santa... Storm... Drifting... Death Concert... Help me Death Concert Okeanos... M-My head!

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Hmm. I'm seeing enemies. Looks like they're trying to surround you.

...Ahem!

Let's break through. We'll hit the enemies where their number is few. Is everyone ready?

...Let's go!

Hey Roman. Analyze this homunculus for me, would you?

You always make me do everything, don't you... Fine, I'll do it.

...I see. This one's different, too. It's similar to a homunculus, but different.

Another counterfeit, huh... All right, let's get moving.

Now that we've confirmed this homunculus is a counterfeit, we know we're heading in the right direction.

Oh, there you are! Hey, original Heroic Spirits!

Does that mean you're another counterfeit?

You too, Hektor

Well, Servants are basically counterfeits to begin with. So it would make me happy if you would just let me go.

That's not possible. You're still spreading the counterfeits.

Are heroes of justice always this stubborn?

How about it, Master? I think you're likely to be a bit more flexible.

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My goal? My goal, huh... Well, if I really have to say, it's to pat her head.

...Huh?

I don't understand what you're talking about!

My job is to spoil her. The role of Hektor is

"A friendly, free-spirited older man who's back from overseas, who may or may not be related by blood!"

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W-Wow. Wait, where's the "overseas" part coming from?

Stop it. Delving into vague backstories is a good way to get burned.

Basically, she wants someone who cares. Someone gentle and sweet, who does whatever she says.

First Alexander, now this... Seems their Master must be a bit of a spoiled child.

A spoiled child, huh? But isn't that kind of what makes her adorable?

When a spoiled child is demanding, it means they're testing your trust. And they're doing that because they're scared.

Isn't that kind of cute?

Hmm. So a dandy-type Heroic Spirit who spoils you, huh... It works!

？！

That aside, these particular counterfeits are unforgivable!

Look at these Mona Lisas here that just got finished!

What I hate isn't the skill, it's the passion!

Skill-wise, it's still just an inferior copy, but the passion is real. But she's not trying to imitate me!

Instead of putting in the passion to imitate me, she's starting to put it towards surpassing me!

Oh, so you noticed, huh?

Her skills are a little inferior, but when mixed with her passion, they make it seem like the real thing.

It's the type of counterfeits that you can't just ignore. I assume you're ready, Hektor?

Right, right. I figured this was coming. Well, that's fine.

I may be a counterfeit, but I'll give it my all!

Tch... Fine, I lost. I guess this is as far as a counterfeit can go.

No, Hektor. You didn't lose because you're a counterfeit.

You lost because you're weak.

Wow, aren't you harsh!? But well, that makes me feel better.

All right, next time I challenge you I'll be stronger. See ya!

...Heh. He may joke around, but his spear was sharp and struck hard. Carelessness could have meant our end.

The way he talks is an important part of his defenses. That's why the great hero Achilles kept his distance.

A passionate counterfeit... One that seeks to surpass the original...

Well, that's what happens if you do it for a while. Most counterfeiters eventually end up like that.

They stop making copies, and even trying to become like the original. They try to surpass them.

I'm not sure who their Master is, but I'm sure her feelings are real.

Da Vinci, is there anything else you can learn from those counterfeits?

Hmm... ...(lick)

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From the taste of the paint... We should go to the beach next, maybe?

The beach!?