Section 6: The Chasm Between Dreams and Reality

Let's see... We can still use this. This one's too big, so I'll fold it up for now...

...

Oh, are you offering to lend a hand? Thank you!

... ...

...I wonder what's going to happen now.

Cyrano is missing... We have no idea what to do for the next performance...

...

O-oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to vent to you!

...

Huh? You...don't mind? Thank you for listening.

Sir Cyranooo! Sir Cyrano, where are yooou!?

Hmm, I don't see him anywhere.

Then again, he's been a shadow this whole time. If he doesn't want to be found, I'm not sure there's anything we can do.

Damn, I don't know what we're gonna do now.

？！

What's up?

I thought we should take a little time to assess the current situation and figure out our next course of action.

Allow me to explain.

The Holy Grail in this Singularity is in a continuous state of attempting to grant a wish.

The wish in question was made by Cyrano de Bergerac...

...and it was for "a happy ending for 'Cyrano de Bergerac' that he can be satisfied with."

In this case, "Cyrano de Bergerac" refers to the play, as opposed to the real Cyrano's life.

In the play, Cyrano de Bergerac meets an untimely death.

Cyrano's wish was to somehow stop that from happening, creating a happy ending for the play. But...

...he also added a condition that this conclusion must also satisfy him.

Even for an omnipotent wish granter, this is a tall order.

Were the Holy Grail more powerful, it might have granted Cyrano's wish by altering his consciousness...

...but this one didn't have the magical energy to do that.

Were the Holy Grail more powerful, it might have granted Cyrano's wish by altering his consciousness...

...but this one didn't have the magical energy to do that.

Right. And as a result...

...Cyrano has been forced to repeat performances of "Cyrano de Bergerac" over and over.

During those performances, Cyrano has been making tweaks to try and find an ending he can accept...

...but whenever he tries to go for a happy ending, he always ends up finding fault with it.

This leads to the characters who are attempting to reach this happy ending being eliminated, resetting the whole thing.

And that is where the Singularity currently stands.

Thanks, Mash. So, naturally, we're proceeding on the assumption that this Singularity can be resolved.

The question is, how?

Thanks, Mash. So, naturally, we're proceeding on the assumption that this Singularity can be resolved.

The question is, how?

...Would killing Cyrano get us the Grail?

Don't say things like that, Roland! ...Buuut, since it seems like you were just saying that to play devil's advocate, I'll allow it!

Ugh, I really hate when you name the elephant in the room like that! I mean, yes, that IS what I was doing, but still.

Sorry, but I can't condone that. I'm not saying it wouldn't work, but...

Yeah.

There's a chance killing Cyrano might get us the Grail.

But it also might not.

If we did do that, Trismegistus II predicts three possible futures.

Yeah.

There's a chance killing Cyrano might get us the Grail.

But it also might not.

If we did do that, Trismegistus predicts three possible futures.

What are those?

One: Cyrano disappears and Chaldea acquires the Holy Grail.

Two: the Holy Grail disappears along with Cyrano.

Three: Cyrano's disappearance causes the Holy Grail to go berserk.

？！

Yup.

If the Holy Grail attempting to grant Cyrano's wish suddenly finds itself without a wisher or wish to grant...

...or if it's caught in a conflict it's unable to process...then yes, it could go berserk.

That said, it's unlikely to turn out that way.

One: Cyrano disappears and Chaldea acquires the Holy Grail.

Two: the Holy Grail disappears along with Cyrano.

Three: Cyrano's disappearance causes the Holy Grail to go berserk.

？！

Yup.

If the Holy Grail attempting to grant Cyrano's wish suddenly finds itself without a wisher or wish to grant...

...or if it's caught in a conflict it's unable to process...then yes, it could go berserk.

That said, it's unlikely to turn out that way.

...That settles it. We're going to find an ending Cyrano can be satisfied with. I think it's our only real option.

Of course, we'll need to find Cyrano first. Since he's a shadow, I'm sure he's hiding out somewhere, but I don't know where.

Hmm...

... ...Master, could I ask your permission?

？！

As of now, I am officially...

...changing jobs!

？！

Mwahahaha! Come on out, Cyrano de Bergerac!

From now on, I may as well be a god in your eyes!

There's nowhere in this theater you can hide from my massive direct current light bulb!

What the...!? What's going on!?

Aha! There you are! I've found yooou!

Aaah! Too bright! Okay, okay! I'll come out! I'll come out!

？！

Hahaha, sorry about that.

Now then, Cyrano, I know this is a bit sudden, but allow me to present you with my new business card.

For the time being, I am a Caster no longer.

Oh, why thank yoBwa!?

Instead, I am now this theater and troupe's official sponsor.

Wait. What's going on?

Your surprise at the sudden personnel change is understandable.

But we have the proof right here.

Proof?

Huh? The rights to this theater have officially been signed over to the Edison Direct Current Corporation?

But...how!? A Holy Grail made this theater! It shouldn't belong to anybody!

That's exactly right. And since it didn't belong to anyone, we decided to claim it for ourselves.

So, if you wish to continue performing here, you should treat Sir Edison's words as if they came from the lips of God Himself.

That sounds blasphemous.

All right then, consider them words from God's own secretary.

Well, uh... What is it you want from me then, Edison?

Isn't it obvious?

You're going to perform "Cyrano de Bergerac" again, and you're going to make your wish come true!

B-but... The thing is, Edison

No ifs, ands, or buts! I told you what I want! End of story!

Even setting that aside, don't you want to take another shot at it?

Nnn... Ghhh...

Well, Cyrano!? What do you say!?

We may be determined to do whatever it takes to acquire the Holy Grail...

...but we want to see a happy ending you can truly be satisfied with even more, Sir Cyrano.

...I see.

Well, if you are intent on being so insistent...then I suppose I'll just have to do it!

Yes, you will.

So what if I have some silly doubts and insecurities!?

The dogs can have them for all I care!

Then, you'll do it?

Of course, Ms. Maid! Heeey! Everyooone!

We need to discuss the next show, and we're going to do it RIGHT NOW!

You got it! Let's do this!

So there you have it, everyone. My real name is Charlemagne, aka Charles the Great. But please, just call me Charlemagne.

Thanks!

No, thank you for joining us. Oh, here's my card.

Hey, thanks! That's real nice of you.

(That conniving bastard! He's wasted no time getting right to networking!)

Huh. I'm kind of surprised they're not more, uh, surprised.

I was expecting everyone to be all, "Whaaa...!? You're THE Charlemagne!? No way!"

Is it really that surprising, Astolfo?

You were saying, "My emperor, my emperor! Your loyal servant Astolfo has a report for you!" not two days ago.

Yeah. I also remember you yelling for Roland and Bradamante at several points.

...Oops.

What were you thinking, you idiot!?

Waaah! I don't know, and I hate iiit!

As for me, I was an empress myself, so I could tell you were royalty.

Well, I appreciate you not saying anything until now. Anyway, I still want to work together to make this a great show, so let's go do that!

Yeah!

You know, hearing you formally introduce yourself like this is really doing a number on my heart... I mean, where I come from, you're practically a myth.

Hahaha. Well, don't worry about it too much. Around here, I'm still just Chuck!

Khh... Well, all right. Let's just get this script meeting started.

Go on then! Let's hear all the insightful and innovative ideas you've got!

It's hopeless.

？！

Of course. It makes perfect sense. I've already tried basically everything!

Maybe we should just call it a day, and let everyone go come up with ideas on their own...

Great work, everyone!

Oh, hey, Bradamante. How're things going with you?

Fine, Your Imperial Majesty. Oh, actually...there are even more ghosts wandering around now...

...so it'd be nice if we could get more Servants to help us. There are too many for Saber and me to handle alone now!

Oh, right. Okay, we'll take a look around later, too.

You two can handle this, right?

Leave it to us!

By the way, Bradamante, do you have any thoughts about the script you want to share?

Huh? M-me!? But, um, I'm just on the crew.

That's quite all right. At this point, I'll take any new ideas I can get.

You sound like a playwright at the end of his rope.

Because that's exactly what I am.

Hmm... Well...

I guess...I have a thought about Roxane.

What about her?

Just that I'd like for her to be happy.

In the original story, she mourns for fifteen years, right?

Even though she got married to Christian and everything... It's just so sad...

...That's true. I want Roxane to be happy, too.

Which is why Christian must survive as well.

Huh?

So, if Christian survives...then, Roxane will be happy...

...Hm?

Is that not exactly it?

If Christian dies, Roxane spends the next fifteen years in mourning.

...I see. I guess that's right...

... ...

What is it, Bradamante? You've been down in the dumps for a while now.

Oh, Your Imperial Majesty.

There's just something about what Cyrano said earlier that's been nagging at me.

Yeah? Well, if you've got some thoughts, please share them with us.

Cyrano, Master, and I are all pretty much brain-dead by this point.

？！

Well, it's not much of an idea. At best, it's kind of a vague feeling.

Hey! You there! The Saber!

!

？！

Oh, no. Don't worry about that. C'mon, stand up.

You're out on patrol, right? We'd like to join you, if you don't mind.

(Nod)

...So there you have it.

If you think of anything yourself, please, let us know!

(Nod)

(Is it just my imagination, or is Saber trying to keep some distance between himself and His Imperial Majesty?)

Whoa. Looks like we've got a whole bunch of them.

Saber, you can fight too, right?

(Nod)

？！

Great. Then let's take care of these things!

... ...

Aww, I missed seeing your attack again, Saber!

How come, in all the times we've been out on patrol, you've never let me see it!?

... ...

Saber, are you

... ...

Okay, got it! Master, I know this is out of the blue, but let's you and I go take care of something else.

These two can probably do an even better job without us around!

？！

Hm? I wonder why His Imperial Majesty left.

... ...

Um... You want to know what was on my mind earlier?

Well...

？！

Hm? Oh...let's just say I saw which way the winds were blowing.

Besides, it's good to act all kingly and considerate sometimes.

Yup, yup, I really am pretty awesome sometimes!

...And that about covers it. Sorry it's so vague.

... ...

Um...

"You empathize with Roxane."

...Yeah. I think I do.

I mean, she mourns the person she thought she loved for fifteen years, and just when she realizes her mistake...

...she loses the person she really did love, too! That's just so... So sad!

... ...

At least, that's what I think since...I've been separated from the person I love before too.

"So then, what do you think needs to happen for Roxane to be happy?"

Happy...

What needs to happen for that... Hmm...

"Think about it. Take your time."

Okay! Will you keep me company, Saber?

"Of course."

Hehehe.

Yo. We're back.

？！

Good, welcome back. Now, how are you doing, Cyrano? Still with us?

Nope. I'm dead. I have not so much as a single thought in my head.

Hmm... Shall we give Shakespeare a ring?

Please don't. If you do, we'll just end up with a Shakespearean play.

Yes! I shall rewrite the whole play so its audience will see in it the second coming of the great Shakespeare!

...Good point. I can practically hear the crowd booing already.

Hey, speaking of the crowd... Do they not get bored seeing the same show over and over?

I thought that was strange, too, but they don't seem to mind at all.

It doesn't seem like it's a matter of them being huge fans. It's more...they're into the concept?

Haha, the concept.

In other words, they're the audience for "Cyrano de Bergerac," and as long as Cyrano's in it, they'll be fine with whatever form that takes, huh?

So if THEY start booing the show, then I'll really be done for.

Oh, you'll be fine. You ARE Cyrano, after all.

And since you're writing the script for your own play, I'm sure they won't have any complaints.

Me? No, no. I'm nothing like the character.

I don't have the strength to go toe to toe with Christian, or the guts to woo Roxane.

The Cyrano from the play and I couldn't be more different. He's truly chivalrousthe embodiment of an ideal I could never achieve.

Hey now. Are you saying the Cyrano I'm talking to right now isn't a chivalrous man?

That's right. I'm not. I can never measure up to the fantasy.

You think?

I'd say the things you actually accomplished are pretty impressive!

Maybe I wouldn't be so bothered if I'd achieved something truly incredible, like you did.

But I've never been showered in applause like thunder echoing around the whole of the world like my counterpart.

If reality is great, then a dream is only a dream, however great it may seem.

And it's real hard for people who live for dreams to conquer reality.

What are you saying? Charles the Great of all people should know be

...Wait. Hold on. Do you mean

Yeah, that's right. Did I ever tell you, Master?

Oh good.

Well then, now's as good a time as any. Not that it's all that big a deal in this world, though!

？！

Is this about your legend and power as Charlemagne?

If so, should I be here? If you prefer, I'm happy to step out.

Actually, yeah, I think I would prefer some privacy, if you don't mind.

Not at all.

In brief, I'm imaginary.

？！

I'm not the King of the Franks who laid the foundation for Europe as you know it today.

My foundation consists of an unkingly hero who went on fantastic adventures and just happens to bear that title.

Though the Twelve Paladins are still nice enough to call me their emperor.

Anyway, my point is, I can't hold a candle to the real Charles the Great.

...So then, you're in the opposite situation from me a king who's not a king.

Exactly!

Which is why I know how hard it can be, from both perspectives.

I know what it's like to dream bigger than reality itself...and for dreams to crumble under the weight of reality.

Well if a guy like you can't hold a candle to his counterpart, then I have even less hope than I thought.

True, I couldn't beat him. But...that doesn't mean I lost.

You say you can't achieve your ideal self, or your ideal conclusion?

That you just can't win, no matter what you do?

Well, you will now. We're going to help you.

...So, you're saying you're going to fight that...thing that shows up whenever I try to keep the Cyrano character alive?

Even though it's a conceptual being created by the Holy Grail itself?

You're damn right, we are! It may have surprised us before, but this time, we'll be ready!

I'll do whatever it takes to win, and to keep you and Roxane safe.

How's that for an awesome knight?

It's like I'm looking at chivalry personified.

Right? So trust me. And trust yourself, too!

...All right, let's give it a shot!

Having said that...I still have no idea what to do about the plot.

Um, Cyrano? Could I talk to you for a minute?

I have some thoughts about the script!

O-oh, certainly.

I especially want to talk about Roxane!

Okay. It looks like Cyrano should be able to finish the script...

...but the success of the performance depends on us, the actors.

？！

I've got a simple idea for that.

Christian dies in a battle with the Spaniards, right?

Right.

The original story has Cyrano wed Christian and Roxane to foil De Guiche's plot...

...but then, De Guiche sends Christian to the war zone in retribution...

...and Cyrano follows him after Roxane begs him to keep Christian safe.

Right.

The original story has Cyrano wed Christian and Roxane to foil De Guiche's plot...

...but then, De Guiche sends Christian to the war zone in retribution...

...and Cyrano follows him after Roxane begs him to keep Christian safe.

And if we try to keep Christian alive, that thing'll show up to kill him.

But, what if, when we fight the Spaniards

？！

Exactly.

So, on that note: Can I count on your help, Roland and Astolfo?

You know it!

What should we do in the meantime, Emperor Charlemagne?

I feel like Sir's hands may be tied while he's playing Cyrano.

Yeah, that'd definitely make things tough for the two of you.

Do you hear that, sir? Whatever happens, please stay clear of the fighting.

I'll do my best to focus on my performance.

That just leaves Roxane. But given what happened last time

Oh, there you all are. Could I talk to you for a moment?

Oh, hey, Yang Guifei. What's up?

First, I wanted to apologize for the trouble I caused you last time.

Aw, don't worry about that. It wasn't your fault.

Even so, I don't think I can perform with this injury...

...which is why I'd like to step down from the role of Roxane.

What!?

You're quitting the play!? B-b-b-but why!?

...Oh no. Does this mean

I'm so sorry, Cyrano. I just couldn't get out of the way fast enough.

It's not a severe injury, but it will be a little while before I can take the stage again.

...I'm sorry. This is all my fault.

Oh no, please, don't worry about it!

Anyway, my main concern is what might happen if an outsider is there when the Holy Grail appears.

I'm sure all of you at Chaldea would rather not have to guard against more than one threat if you don't have to, right?

...Right.

So, you don't have a wish of your own? Even though you're a Rogue Servant?

Umm...

Let's just say I don't think the Holy Grail behind this Singularity could grant my particular wish.

So...I've decided you're welcome to it! Please, don't worry about me.

？！

... ...(Glance)

？！

But, we don't have an understudy for yo

Yes, you do!

We do!?

Just a moment, please. Aaand hup.

Huh? Wait. You don't mean... Whaaa...!?

I recommend Bradamante!

I... But... Y-Yang Guifei!?

Don't worry, you'll be fine!

B-but...I can't act!

Sure you can! You did great when we rehearsed together!

But, she was just feeding you lines, right? It's not like she was playing Roxane herself.

Don't worry!

I had her play Roxane too, so I could see what it was like to watch the part performed from the audience's perspective.

Oh, well that should work then!

Are you sure about this!?

What do you think, Roland? Astolfo?

I think you're a way better actor than me, Bradamante!

Yeah, you should be fine. This seems right up your alley.

Now there's peer pressure too!?

Of course, this is ultimately your decision, Mante.

If you really don't want to do this, I'll withdraw my recommendation.

I... Uh...

(Saber?)

"You can do this."

!

So what do you say?

I... I'll...do it!

That's great! Don't worry, I'll help!

When we're done, you'll be ready and eager for your big debut!

I do!

？！

Hey, yeah. You doing this solves everything, Master!

Him, huh... Hmm...

？！

Oh, we've got magecraft to handle your appearance. Any Caster should be able to take care of that, no problem.

I'm a Caster just passing through, but yes. Changing your appearance for the duration of the play should not be an issue.

？！

？！

I'm Master's first Servant just passing through...and I think it's a fantastic idea!

I'll make sure to record every second of his performance as Roxane from every conceivable angle!

Somebody is maybe a little too excited about this.

Can you blame her?

Of course, if you don't want to, I have another idea as well... What do you say?

Hmm, that's too bad, but I understand. All right, here's my next idea.

Maaante!

Huh? Wait. You don't mean... Whaaa!?

I recommend Bradamante!

I... But... Y-Yang Guifei!?

Don't worry, you'll be fine!

B-but...I can't act!

Sure you can! You did great when we rehearsed together!

But, she was just feeding you lines, right? It's not like she was playing Roxane herself.

Don't worry!

I had her play Roxane too, so I could see what it was like to watch the part performed from the audience's perspective.

Oh, well that should work then!

Are you sure about this!?

What do you think, Roland? Astolfo?

I think you're a way better actor than me, Bradamante!

Yeah, you should be fine. This seems right up your alley.

Now there's peer pressure too!?

Of course, this is ultimately your decision, Mante.

If you really don't want to do this, I'll withdraw my recommendation.

I... Uh...

(Saber?)

"You can do this."

!

So what do you say?

I... I'll...do it!

That's great! Don't worry, I'll help!

When we're done, you'll be ready and eager for your big debut!

Got it!

Don't worry, Master. I, Christian, will dedicate myself to training you for this performance!

Come on! We're going to start rehearsing right away!

？！