Section 6 "Village"

Phew, playing with beach balls is fun, but I'm a bit tired. How about we take a break? Don't worry, it looks like we have nothing but time.

I can't believe how elegant I was in securing that victory! I'm... I'm scared of myself! My own elegance is terrifying!

BUT! Being the beautiful, successful woman I am, I mustn't gloat! I must be graceful with my gifts!

And so instead off I go to relax in the shade of my parasol, brushing my tail and flaunting my sexy body for the whole world to see!

Girls, it's up to you to decide how tropical you want to feel on this island.

However, just know that your actions directly affect both our Master's present AND future.

Do not forget that. Make sure you pull yourselves together when you're supposed to.

By the way, Master, I have an important question. What is for dinner tonight?

Dammit, how am I supposed to behave? To think we'd be in the same space... (glance)

...Of course, I meant that person is such an eyesore. I totally mean it!

Arrgh, I'm just gonna go clear up my head a little bit. Maybe I'll go ride some waves!

Now, there are still many tasks left for us to do. Which one shall we start with... Heh heh...

...Hmm? What is with this feeling of excitement?

Perhaps it's the sea, the beach, and the shining sun. This is rare indeed...

It appears that everyone is starting to get used to life on this island.

At first, everything was inconvenient and everyone was feeling dissatisfied, but maybe now all the hard work has finally paid off.

However... something strange has been happening. Would you listen to me, Master?

I-I'd rather you not be that formal with me all the time.

If you ain't joking, then I'll really make you my lackey! ...Um, ahem, where was I?

？！

It seems the men are acting a bit strange. See, over there.

Did you see that? Those two whispering over there...

The two of them disappear a lot lately... right?

Fou.

Hmm. Not just those two. The other men tend to disappear a lot too.

I noticed that too, but I've been letting it slide. After all, they've all done their fair share of work.

(Emphatically) I didn't notice anything at all! I was looking at my Master the whole time!

In that case... what shall we do, Master?

Mmm, yeah... They might play stupid and pretend not to know anything... so let's just follow them for the time being.

？！

Count me in. If they dare go against the teachings of God, I will punish them... despite the fact that they're also castaways.

That's right, this is not about us being nosy. We're simply taking a peek into what they're doing. It's a holy and sacred act of confirmation!

You know, that just makes you sound even more nosy...

They're moving deeper and deeper into the island...

Looks like they're trying not to get noticed. That can only mean... they are trying to do something suspicious...

Let's be cautious. We can follow their trail even if we lose visual. More importantly, we don't want them to find out they're being stalked.

There must be a reason for them to be this secretive...

I don't want to know what would happen if they found out that we are...

？！

You're too naive! Even more naive than a baby!

I've been paying attention to see if there are any traps along the way and here you are, being naive.

Listen, Master. Don't you ever underestimate the lengths which men with a guilty conscience will go to.

You are exactly right. Yes, they will run away... lie to you... It truly is... terrible...

？！

Somehow I've lost sight of them. It's not like we can't track them anymore, but there's one problem...

Even if there are no traps, it looks like there is a gatekeeper... You there! Isn't that right?

...!

Come out, whoever you are! I know you are there!

I see... very impressive. Then allow me to show myself...

Th-This voice is...!

This voice... It can't be...!

My name is... Island Mask!

？！

My name is Island Mask. I have no relationship with that refined swordsman and renowned gatekeeper.

...Oh, um, okay. Look.

You can call yourself whatever you want. I don't care.

But that getup... It's basically a sign that I can punch your face in until your mask breaks, right?

Hahaha. Only you, Lady Martha, would get that kind of impression upon seeing this mask!

Unfortunately, it's something that I borrowed, so I must ask you not to break it. And while I'm at it, I'll add that I'd rather you not punch me with those gauntlets of yours.

I see. Well then I'll aim solely for your stomach. I'll punch it so hard you won't be able to digest anything for three days. Just think of it as fasting.

So it has come to this. I suppose you are a holy maiden who educates others with an iron fist.

Well, be that as it may, a gatekeeper must perform his duty.

You may only go through once you have defeated me... That is what I am trying to say.

I am the great forest incarnate. An enigma. My existence transcends good and evil, and so forth.

In short, do not hold back on me. Come, Lady Martha, come at me!

So, seeing me in my swimsuit, all out of control, has made him lose control as well?

What a sinful holy maiden you are! You must be kind of be happy to be that sought after?

Huh? Well, um... Maybe this bikini is a little too attractive?

Oh no, I do not desire you in any way. What I truly desire is the armored dragon Tarasque, you know?

Now, hurry! Bring that towering and intimidating Tarasque before me... HURRY! (Excited)

That does it! I won't pull any punches! I will face you as if I am facing an angel!

As you wish! The emptiness of conflict... I will hammer that concept into your bones with this iron fist!

Ugh!

Boss! Why are you getting all salty with me too!?

Oh, sorry, Tarasque. I sorta lost my cool and kinda went with it. Sorry, tee hee☆

？！

...Hah. Heh heh. Well well, I've lost. I've lost to you completely.

...Satisfied? Now I'll ask you again... What were you trying to do?

As the victor... I mean, as the one preaching God's words on the emptiness of conflict, I think I have the right to ask.

I... I...

I WANTED TO PLAY, TOO!

...Huh!?

...Come again?

It's summer! We're on a deserted island! As someone who appreciates elegance, of course I wanted to enjoy this occasion!

I was thinking it should be okay for me to go wild for a bit... But unlike you, my friends...

I was not given the privilege to go wild in a swimsuit!

Why, you ask? Because I am a mere 1-star Servant.

...I feel like I just heard something I shouldn't...

Therefore I was left with no other choice but to transform and add excitement to the occasion. That was the purpose of the mask... you know? YOU KNOW?

？！

Heh. You would know nothing about it, my Master... About the zealous union of us common Heroic Spirits! The 1 Star Alliance!

This mask was handed to me by Lord Amadeus. He told me to use it "if something comes up."

Lady Martha's fist shattered it...but it was the symbol of our determination...

I see... I'm just glad it wasn't Spartacus's mask...

Fine. I do understand that you wanted to vent your frustration and regret...

However, let me ask you one more time. Why did you get in our way?

The men that went on ahead weren't common rarity, right? In that case, you didn't have the obligation to help them, now did you?

Hmm. I asked them to hire me since I thought it'd be a nice chance for Island Mask to play a part...

But I think it would be easier for me to show you what I mean rather than tell you.

A defeated gatekeeper has no choice. I will show you the way.

...We might run into some monsters along the way, but that won't pose any issue for you, now will it, Master?

...

Huh? Hey, bodyguard, what are you doing? Why the hell would you bring them here?

I apologize. I was having too much fun fighting and I lost.

Tch. Well, it was only a matter of time until they found out about this place...

Th-This is...!

This place...

？！

That's right, Master. It's on a smaller scale... but it looks just like our village.

Well, the cat's out of the bag now. This is a village created just for the men.

They got buildings and even a crop field. Although the direction they went in is slightly different than ours.

Hmm... Hmmmmm... This place is more organized than I thought. Some structures are even built better than ours...

I do feel like we've lost a game...

But why would you hide this place?

It has to be hidden. You see, boys do like their little secret bases, right?

Although the place you guys got there is getting a lot more convenient than here.

Either way, Diarmuid, Fionn, and I talked about how building a village with our own hands would also serve as good training.

And so, even with those guys gone, we've decided to continue building this place in secret.

How should I put it... Fionn said it best...

It makes us feel nervous when there are girls in swimsuits around all the time.

Uncle Fergus, on the other hand, would've loved that place. He'd do as he pleased, without a care in the world.

？！

Hmm? Well, it's...

Both Fionn and Diarmuid entrusted their dying wish to us.

In order to honor the noble Lancers who built this place, we call it... "Backspear Village."

Heh heh. I am just a farmer with a hoe, a support member if you will.

？！

Hahaha, that's a funny joke you got there.

Still, if even the ever-calm Karna would go wild with the base, we might be able to create some good tunes there.

I will shred the bassline like a wild beastwhatever that meansand tear into my Master's enemies.

It's just a joke. Well, I'm sure there's a version of me who's in a band somewhere.

But that's a different me, and a different Backspear Boys.

We are the summer edition of Backspear, and we'll be burning up the charts all summer long!

I feel like Cú Chulainn is just blurting nonsense right now.

All I got is that the men here are really enjoying themselves.

This place is their haven, their paradise. Let's leave it alone for now.