Section 14 "Let's Sing a Song"

...Um, uh... Trick or treat, Uncle Vlad!

I can hear the festival... Did you yourself realize why I was angry, or did someone bring it to your attention?

If the former, then you show some promise.

If the latter, then they showed you sympathy.

The verdict looks only at the results. If the people were satisfied, then you have the right to proceed.

Uncle Vlad!

However, in this form I am especially strict with you.

You have committed many sins...

One of which I, having become a Heroic Spirit, simply cannot ignore.

...I won't say to atone for it with death. For there is no way to atone.

...!

As a king, I demonstrate magnanimity while I suffer within. But as a warrior, I shall never show mercy toward wickedness.

You... Evil killer who committed depraved acts, toyed with the citizens, and thought it only natural to be ignorant...

Your sins are a nightmare from which no one can wake, even after a hundred years. What you have done is committed a crime engraved in history.

It is time you return to the darkness where no one can venture. I shall slaughter every last one of you.

...I would have never thought my skill with a lance would come up short against a fictional creaturea vampire.

I must be the one who is unworthy.

U-Um... Uncle Vlad?

You have no right to call me that. You should refer to me as "uncle" when I'm summoned as king.

I told you before. Each different aspect of a particular hero manifests as its own distinct Servant.

Like what has happened with me here, now.

But, but even so...you're still Uncle Vlad.

...Even though you may hate me.

Even though I may have done things that are unforgivable.

You have indeed. You committed a sin... though the world may not consider it that way.

That sin is not even engraved upon your Spirit Origin. After all, that world has been forgotten.

...But I shall never forget.

You denied the final integrity of my light, my wife, my love.

For her sake, I will not forgive you. Even if she herself may have...

...

Elisabeth...

...I see. I somewhat recall it too. Man, humanity being in a state of flux is a nuisance.

That Vlad III and Elisabeth had a bit of a history together.

This isn't about who's right and who's wrong.

The world isn't concerned by human values like virtue. It will just adopt whatever means are useful to guarantee the continuation of its existence.

Whether it's a young lady who tries to atone for her grave sins, even if she knows no shame...

...or the conviction of a gentleman who won't accept any kind of atonement, but just seeks to punish every evil act... The world considers them equally sinful.

...Right. They're the same, so it will choose the one that's more effectiveeven someone evil, if it means preserving humanity.

If humanity's preservation isn't wished for, they won't be allowed to be summoned as a Heroic Spirit. Even if they stand for righteousness.

But if that's the case, it means even Vlad III wishes for the preservation of humanity.

After all, he was summoned as a Servant this time.

...I think you're right. I hate humans. I don't like them and I don't trust them.

That being said, I have no intention of destroying their world. After all, humans are useful for a number of things.

I exist because humans, my enemies, exist. In a world without humans, neither Shuten nor I would be summoned.

Isn't that true, Red Horns? No matter how many sins you've committed...

No one can reject your being here right now. As long as you don't wish for "nothingness," you'll be a Heroic Spirit like the rest of us.

Of course, as an Anti-Hero... A sacrifice whose role is to lose to the Heroic Spirits.

...You're right. Thanks, Ibaraki. I'm grateful.

Now then... Sorry for making you wait, Puppy. Come! To the final battle with the queen!

Nice reaction! Thank you, Fujimaru!

After we take the castle back, I'll let you help me prepare for my concert!

Ah, Master's face suddenly went pale.

Heh... It makes my heart flutter to be called a pet name by a fan...!

All right, I'll specially reserve a front-row seat for you at my concert!

What's wrong!?

Fujimaru is displaying signs of being in an incredibly agitated mental state...!

？！

Why!?

Mmmm, don't tell me they really made it!? Were my countermeasures too flimsy!?

No, no, calm down. Calm down. Everyone makes mistakes. I'm no exception.

Rather, a beautiful queen is the only one allowed to make careless mistakes. Paradoxically, those mistakes are what make her a queen in the first place!

Yes, that's right. That proves I'm not at fault here. Therefore...

Rise, you useless loser knights! Next up is an all-out war.

The time has come to make it clear who's best suited to rule this land!

I too... have a wish, and to make it come true, I shall continue being the queen!

That is the agreement I made with that person!