Section 2 "Hero Elly Gathers Allies"

...That's strange. The town doesn't feel like Halloween at all.

...Still, it doesn't seem like it was attacked or anything either.

And all the house lights are on, but I don't see any townspeople walking around...

Yes? ...Hmm? Up in the sky?

Um... What!?

Huh? What is it, Master? What about the castle?

Umm...

？！

Castle Csejte...! What a mess!

And on top there's a pyramid...and it's upside down!!

It's just sitting there, Senpai! Like, boom!

Fou...!?

I checked it out. The pyramid and the castle are from different epochs.

The former is obviously older. And the fact that it's crushing the castle like that means...

Right. I've never heard of her having anything to do with pyramids.

Fujimaru, you sound way too excited. Anyway, that pyramid must be the source of the Singularity.

？！

What should we do, Master? Head up there?

Yes, but it might be difficult to ask the townsfolk for information...

...Hmm? A tavern, you say? ...I see.

Neither of us can have alcohol, but let's go.

I see...

People let their guard down when there's alcohol around. They're more likely to talk...even with newcomers like us.

All right! Let's go!

？！

Welcome♪

...Umm.

My my, such young customers. Welcome to Mata Hari's tavern!

Your one-stop shop for bittersweet meetings and farewells!

Are you seeking traveling companions?

C-Companions? No, we're fine.

Oh, is that so.

Then perhaps that cute guy with you came to find some other kind of companionship?

I wouldn't mind spending the night with you, you know...

No, we're fine! Right, Senpai!? Right!?

？！

That's too bad.

Actually, we'd like to ask about that pyramid...

Oh yes, the pyramid. It fell from the sky one day. It really was sudden.

Inside it you'll find a queen and the loyal knights who serve her.

They banned Halloween. Can you believe it?

Banned...Halloween!?

There was a notice from the queen.

"If you object to the way I rule, if you're a reckless savage that dreams of getting rich fast, come and challenge this pyramid."

...So she has declared.

And so this town is searching for heroes to do just thatto take on Pyramid Csejte.

I'll do it! I'm going to get rich off the pyramid's treasure!

Leave the defending to me, you guys!

We need a mage! I'm a priest that only knows how to heal using mundane means!

Heh, leave any doors and chests to me!

So many people from so many different lands... I see. No wonder it's so lively.

... ...

"Please take me home!"

... ...

...Master?

？！

(Starry-eyed)

Master, it's too late. She's noticed us. She's positively glowing!

Puppy! Hey there! Heeeeeey!

L-Let's make a run for it, Master!

Wait! Hey, waaaaaaiiit!

She's chasing after us! Also, I think I just saw a familiar face!

Maybe that was just my imagination! But we don't have time for that!

Waaaaaiiiiit!

Master! Master!

It was basic survival instinct that made us flee, but maybe we should at least listen to what she has to say!?

Y-Yeah! It's bound to be one of the causes of this Singularity, after all!

Last year's Halloween must be a great source of trauma for you, Master...

No, I get it. Our feet just started moving of their own accord!

？！

You made me fall over! That hurt! Don't leave me behiiiiiind!

Master... I hear crying...from behind us...

？！

Okay... Let's head back.

Fou! Fou, fou!

What do you want? I have a broken heart, you know... Oh, Puppy!

Oh, come on! So you did hear me!

I'm not happy about this at all!

You made me so worried! You should be punished!

...Is that you, Elisabeth...?

Have you forgotten!?

It's me, the celebrated diva, praised as a talent that only comes once every thousand years, an unbridled genius!

Elisabeth the Crimson Hero!

Fou-bah!?

Why the nicknames!?

...They're not around anymore. They're alive in my heart.

To be more specific, we fused together.

Fou...

Fou seems to be shocked at how far removed from a Servant she's become.

That's right. The swimsuit event is over, Elisabeth.

What? Wait, you had a swimsuit event without me!? Where was my invite!?

That's not fair! That's not fair at all!

...Well, let's forget about that for now.

Let's not!

I want to know precisely why no one called me!

？！

I see. So dual Elisabeths were driven out of Castle Csejte by this queen.

Yeah, exactly. Now do you understand?

The LanCas duo couldn't finish what they started. So now there's something I must do... For their sake.

In other words, once more

That's right!

That cursed pyramid has destroyed my concert hall!

I'm going to take it out and overthrow the queen within! That is the mission of the Crimson Hero Elisabeth!

Yes. I see. That's why there are tons of adventurers in the tavern.

Fou.

Fou's trying to say something, but it's best not to translate it.

？！

There she is! Surround her!

...!

Oh? What's going on? This is...

Elisabeth, who are these people?

The queen's lackeys! Be careful! They're all pretty strong!

We are knights in the queen's service. We fight to purge Halloween.

Those who speak of or desire to bring back Halloween shall be exiled or sentenced to hard labor, without exception!

That's terrible...!

And we also received a complaint that this girl over here... is, um... not wearing appropriate attire in public...

Fou.

That's not true! I'm quite obviously dressed as a hero! ...Wait, I am, right!?

(Ahem)

In any event, it's exile or hard labor. You're going to have to pick one!

I don't have to be afraid of you any longer! Come, Puppy! We're going to fight!

Wait.

Can you at least tell us why Halloween was banned?

Because, uh... Because the queen ordered it!

Then we'd like to ask the queen why.

The world's most lovely queen will not hold an audience with the likes of you!

Sorry, but we're going to restrain you!

Like hell you are!

If you're going to stand in the way of my concerts and everything I stand for...

...I don't care who you are. I'll use every ounce of my strength to defeat you!

Looks like there's no way around it. Let's go, Master!

By the way... Do you keep seeing someone lurking around here?

W-We've failed...! Retreat! Retreat!

We sent them running, but...they were all quite skilled.

A queen adored by knights of such caliber... I wonder what she's like.

We'll probably need to meet her if we're going to repair the Singularity.

Now, Puppy, you're going to help me, right!?

？！

...Th-Thank goodness...

Thank you... I'm so moved, I want to dance and sing right at this moment.

Not necessary, let's move!

Eh!? Fast much!?

...Whatever. Anyway...!

The legend of the Crimson Hero Elisabeth is going to start right here! That witch needs to brace herself!

Crimson Hero Elisabeth's Adventure has begun!

So why were you in the tavern with that sign?

Oh, that? All I did was say this to the owner lady:

"Now then! I'm looking for some strong, radiant companions! Ones who will put me in the spotlight and worship me!"

"I'll be on vocals. I've never been in a band before. Looking for pros on guitar, bass, and drums."

When I did, she smiled and just handed the sign to me! Isn't that mean!?

I guess it serves you right...

Your Majesty, we have confirmed visitors from Chaldea. It seems they were caught in the Bounded Field that was put up.

...

Ha! Oh, I am so perfect, I predicted all of this! I of course have countermeasures in place!

With the ultimate gatekeeper on watch, my superiority cannot be challenged... Oh, it's too beautiful...

I rule this land appropriately, with tolerance and ruthlessness.

I-If I may, Your Majesty... Will Halloween continue to be banned?

Dunce! How about going to a salon and cleaning up your dull look first!

It's too soon for the common fools to celebrate Halloween!

Holding such a lighthearted festival when the world is in such an unstable state? Pure idiocy!

Endure with patience, and keep love within your heart! Follow in my footsteps!

...But everyone was looking forward to Halloween... My children, too...

Blasphemy! Back talk is punishable by death! But, for the sake of your children, I shall give you a day off. With remuneration!

Lay down your sword and return to your pitiful family at once! That is, if you value your life!

Er, Your Majesty? I, uh, I don't quite follow...

Just go home. It means you have tomorrow off.

...Understood. Then with all due respect, I shall receive your punishment of...paid leave.

Now then, my queen. What would you have us do?

Shall we take them on now so we don't have to worry about them later?

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! You fool!

If we did that, it'd be like I was afraid of them for some reason!

I'm sending the knights into town. It'll prevent the citizens from becoming restless.

As for you two... Well, there's no need for you to be deployed.

I know you're planning on hitting on the local girls the second I send you there. Sorry, but things don't always go your way!

...No, that's not what I...

Unbelievable... She sees through our very way of life...

No, Lord Tristan. I really just care about the safety of the town.

...I hear there's a girl with a broken heart at one of the taverns. Apparently her man left her after losing his entire fortune on a bet the other day.

Which tavern is that? You mean that cute girl from Ash Tree Tavern on 3rd?

Ohoho. Maybe you would like to wait in prison instead of your own rooms?

Excuse us. We will remain on standby, Your Majesty.

Then we shall take our leave. Please get some rest, my queen.

I will, of course. Now leave immediately!

...

Yes, Your Majesty. ...Tristan?

...?

...

... (Snoring)

...

...How sad. This intense pain is making me sad.

You know, in a way, that was quite impressive...