Section 15 "Trick or Treat!"

Welcome. Thank you for coming.

Hey, it's the knights that ran away.

That depends on how you look at it. Things must be observed from up high...

This is called a "bird's-eye view."

The moment I think I'm going to lose this match, I float up and distance myself...

In other words, by giving up on winning, I avoided defeat. I am a quick-witted man almost to the point of sadness...

That is certainly sad, in every sense of the word...

FWWWUUUUUUUUU...

Master, I have a strange feeling about that black knight. Trying to whistle but not quite getting it and whatnot.

We should focus on taking them out right here... Or perhaps we could just have a nice, long chat...

...Yes. Either way, that black knight is our enemy.

I'm fine. I'm calm right now! Now, let's fight!

？！

(Oh, how terrible... That seemingly gentle girl has the menacing look of an executioner.)

(What did you do to make her hate you so much?)

(I'm sorry... But I don't remember. I think it's some sort of misunderstanding. She'll calm down soon enough.)

(Really...? So it's not dangerous? As in something that would end up involving me?)

(N-No, it's nothing, probably.)

Good to know. Ahem. Her Majesty awaits. This way, please.

We finally get to see her... Puppy, get psyched.

Don't get fooled by her unorthodox attitude and appearance.

Inside there's a nastiness boiling up like a poisonous stew!

Do you know her True Name?

Nope, not at all!

...Well, given that there's a pyramid, it must be someone who has something to do with me.

...Let me double-check. She really is a queen, right?

Because I'll be forced to surrender if it turns out to be some extravagant man with eyes like the sun and a beautiful voice...

Don't worry. She's a woman for sure. Just her true nature is different.

I may be a dragon, but she's a snakea fiercely venomous one at that!

I see you haven't learned anything from your two defeats. How dare you come here, you little lizard!

I fail to understand how you are so pathetic, but I shall praise you for surviving this hell twice!

But you are still merely a girl crazy about Halloween! To someone tempered by the hot desert sand like myself, you

...Am I seeing things? Is there one less of you? ...Wait. You look stronger than before!

Heh, for you to notice that... That's some observation you got there.

Yes, I was born once more through a Palingenesis-like process from the humiliation of having everything taken from me, and my own self-denial...

I am the muscle-based idol that has become a Saber-class Servant, Elisabeth Báthory (Brave)!

That's right. Everyone just kept quiet.

Really? I honestly thought she was a salamander Heroic Spirit...

I'm not a fire lizard! I'm a female hero! A noble heroine blessed by a dragon! Someone who never sings out of tune!

...Hehe. I've actually been thinking about it for a while, just didn't have a chance to say it.

？！

Are you done yet? Eyes back on me!

Ahem. Anyway, you've done well to make your way here, heroes! I shall praise you for your spirit!

Heh. I'm tired of hearing that, but thank you! It's good to be honest!

Indeed. A beauty so great you would lose your words. That is I!

If you understand, then bow to the ground until you bang your head! I'll also allow you to take photos of me, this time only!

？！

Bow before Her Majesty. You're not going to listen to me anyway, but...

Don't just tell them without even meaning it, you dumb dodo! You do nothing but fail!

It's your own incompetence that has allowed them to come this far! As punishment, do a handstand over there!

But don't stop playing the harp!

So sad... So backbreaking. But if Her Majesty commands it, I must obey.

You can actually do it!?

Also...

...

It seems that the current situation is punishment enough for Sir Anonymous here. Very well, I will let him off the hook.

No, I think it's only fair that he gets punished too. Specifically, he has to take off his helmet or show us his face.

...!!!

Umm... Mash...? You're acting kinda scary...

R-Really?

Sorry... When I look at that indecisive black knight, my heart becomes as jagged as a Saint Quartz...

So you get irritated. That was a nice way to put it.

I completely understand how you feel, but have your fight elsewhere.

It's a drag, but first I have my duty as a ruler.

Elisabeth Báthory, the fact that you've made it here means you finally understand, yes?

...Yes.

I got too excited over the Halloween concert and neglected my duties as ruler.

...I was too immature to rule over the common pigs.

Yes, it is pure stupidity for those who stand on top to seek something other than being at the top!

To be served you need a reason to be served. Or you need fervor!

That reason may be that you're as beautiful as the heavens. It could be that you wield power, even though you're hideous.

Oh, that stings... I'm as beautiful as the heavens, but I chose the life of an idol...

No, I'm the beautiful one. You're the powerful one.

You said it yourself just a second ago. You're the muscle-based idol, Lowland Gorilla Báthory.

I didn't say that! Only the Báthory part is right!

Now that you mention it, you're right, but who cares about the small things! We're having an important discussion right now!

That's my line! I've never had so much trouble talking to someone before!

Just who are you?!

You act like some sort of model, but what Heroic Spirit are you?!

Isn't it obvious? A queen who rules with beauty! Whose name is synonymous with beauty!

If you asked a hundred people who that queen is, they would all tell you my name!

Yes, my name! My beautiful name is...!

？！

Seriously?! You mean that Paris Fashion Week girl is Queen Cleopatra...!?

Ohohohoho. Even a girl with the bare minimum of nobility like you knows my name.

Then I shall ask again. Can you compete against my beauty?

...This is bad. When it comes to whose Heroic Spirit is more beautiful, she has the upper hand...

No matter how you look at it, my style is more modern, but I can't beat her brand reputation...

？！

What, are you saying my bikini armor is old-school!? It's totally modern! Right!?

Yes, I think that outfit is good. It would make perfect sense in Ancient Egypt.

I know, right? Finally somebody from Egypt gets me!

To me you both look the saNo, never mind.

But, well, in terms of looking dignified, the queen over there is on a different level. Her self-confidence has no limits.

I don't know what to say. My standards of beauty are different from humans' to begin with.

That being said... Hahahahaha!

Master! Master! She has an ulterior motive, and a malicious one at that.

Like she'll bite you or tear you up if you get close. Well, I guess for a demon, that's pretty beautiful!

Hmm... You're not human, huh? Then it makes sense you can't understand me.

And also...

...

You...

Quiet, Cleopatra. I simply ended up on this side by chance this time.

I am just a normal Caster, a mage. You just need to live up to your beliefs without wavering.

...Yes.

So, Elisabeth, let me ask you again. Do you intend to compete with my beauty?

Ha...hahahaha! Ohohoho! No way, that would be impossible! That's not even a contest!

If you're a woman, then you know there's nothing more terrifying than being judged based on your beauty!

I am the world-renowned Cleopatra! That contest would only make you lose face...

Huh? I can compete.

...What was that?

It's true that if we're just talking how our bodies look, my physical age might put me at a very slight disadvantage...

In any event, diversification is in right now. There are more standards of beauty now than there were in the past. Espeeeeeecially...

Yes! What about cuteness? I sing, dance, and smile for my pig fans!

That's something only an idol like me can do! And something a queen, who is served on every day, cannot!

In other words, you're not someone that rules over others...

That's right! Your Majesty, I challenge you to a duel! As an idol!

Oh, and of course I'll take up the reins of government. An idol can rule just fine.

How dare you... How dare you... You have no idea how mad your proposal makes me...!

Beauty is born from intelligence. Thus, ruling is carried out through beauty...!

Ruling over the masses merely because you're "cute"... As a queen, I won't allow such happy-go-lucky attitudes!

(I kind of get why Cleopatra is mad...)

(No, Elisabeth is just that selfish. After all, she's an Anti-Hero...someone who's been making mistakes her whole life.)

I'm an idol, and the mistress of Castle Csejte!

Servants get summoned as Lancers, Casters, and so on, right?

Just like Uncle Vlad accepted me for who I am and didn't forgive me

I'm greedy, prideful, and selfish. That's why both versions of me are important!

I won't give up on either one!

So you're not going to give up...on either of you? This is why regional rulers are so annoying...!

Very well, we'll see just how long you can keep that attitude. I'll test you!

...At the end of the day, you're just spouting nonsense! Drown in the beauty of Cleopatra...and die!

...Splendid. This is different than before. A complete defeat...

Ha... Excellent. Truly excellent. A splended defeat is quite exhilarating.

(I'm not sure about that... I feel like we fought for nothing...!)

...I can't believe it. I didn't think I would lose...

The match is over! You're going to give me back Castle Csejte!

And do something about this pyramid! Actually, don't bring this kind of stuff in here!

...That's... kind of difficult...

What?

...Well, I'm not the one who brought this pyramid here.

Then who dropped this annoying thing on my castle?!

Well...

IT WAS ME!

Who are you!?

Th-That voice...!?

It can't be?! It couldn't, could it!?

If you want to know who I am, I shall answer. I am Ozymandias, the king who rules the sun!!

Hahahaha! Cleopatra! They've completely crushed you!

H-How embarrassing! As someone who holds the name of pharaoh, I have fallen hard...!

I cannot bear any additional embarrassment. Please sever my head!

I don't want you making a bloody mess here! We're going to decorate for Halloween!

Yes. Just as that thin girl over there says. We need to decorate this castle now.

Your blood would ruin the festival. Your punishment will be to sit there and take your shame!

Yes, Your Majesty!

Ozymandias... In other words, Ramesses II! To think someone so important would show up in this weird Singularity...!

It's like an adult showing up to a kid's event, you know!?

Adults have fun, too. Grown-ups enjoy this kind of levity!

But that's why you should not worry. I will not fight.

Cleopatra was ruling over this pyramid, and was defeated by you.

I would have never thought Your Majesty... If you had given me word... I wouldn't have joined their side...

Heh. Don't say that, Nitocris. I told Cleopatra to keep her mouth shut.

I-I'm not displeased at all! My apologies for the slip of tongue!

...Umm, I'm not really following what you guys are saying. Why are people from Egypt here?

HOW DISRESPECTFUL!

Whyaun!?

I can't help it! I don't know if I'm being disrespectful! I don't know what's going on!

That's right. You guys really have no connection to this place whatsoever, so why are you here?

Hmph, No Face King of the Forest.

...Very well. It's no fun just seeing you all rack your brains.

Then I shall ask you. Does anyone know the final moments of this woman, Cleopatra?

...

Y-Yes.

They say she committed suicide after her husband Antonius, general of the Roman army...

...lost to Augustus in the naval battle of Actium and later died.

That's right. The Ptolemaic Kingdom quickly collapsed and the country disappeared.

Leaving her as the last pharaoh.

...

And thus, she has avoided wishing for anything, and refused to be summoned as a Servant until now.

...What do you mean?

She has a personal desire.

And it's something that won't come true unless she participates in a Holy Grail War as a Servant.

But it's not a wish as a pharaoh. It's a selfish desire you could find anywhere on the streets.

She feels so responsible for the destruction of her country that she has locked it away in her heart.

Thinking that someone that has done what she did should not be allowed to have a wish!

But I don't think it's something to be suffering over for a thousand or so years, so I gave her an opportunity.

To rule this upside-down pyramid as queen...

...Until Halloween ends.

And had she done that, I would have granted her wish with the Holy Grail I was given.

A Holy Grail...!?

And then you lost. You have no objections. Right, Cleopatra?

...Correct.

I realized that it's wrong for someone like me to hope for something.

I see, and so you're going to suppress that wish and turn your back on it for the rest of eternity, then!?

That is the least I can do to atone for destroying my country.

...

...

...

...Heh.

?

Hahahahaha! Hahahahahahaha!! That's your answer!?

Ridiculous! Anubis would be holding his belly laughing, I imagine! Did you hear that, thin girl?!

I told you to call me Elisabeth! Or if you want to be more friendly, Elly is also good!

Huh. I see. In that case, Elly, or whatever, if you have something to say, you should say it now!

I appreciate that ridiculous arrogance of yours!

Did you just say Elly!?

Then I'll say it.

Umm... You know, Cleopatra... You're an...

IDIOT!

Aren't you?

What...!?

Didn't I tell you? That I would be both an idol and a ruler!?

You can be a ph...pharaoh? and have a personal desire at the same time!

Take part in a bunch of Holy Grail Wars, and do your best to get it granted!

Why can't you do the things that I can do?

You can do it right? I bet you could do it while you dance gracefully even.

That's...!

I don't want to say this, but...

I got all excited about being an idol, I forgot about Halloween, so you might have ruled a bit... better, maybe.

You can have your own personal desires!

...Are you sure... I don't know if I can

It's fine! You think so too, right Puppy?

Humanity's final Master, Fujimaru! You look like you want to say something.

It's fine! Finish her off! Don't hold back and tell her!

Selfish...

...You're right. I've wanted to be, this entire time.

Be...myself... You're right.

That's what I've been trying to be this whole time, but...

At some point, all I could think about was being a pharaoh...

？！

Sun King, Ozymandias. Incarnation of Horus, Queen Nitocris.

Please forgive me. From this day forth, I will accept myself for who I am, and not just be a pharaoh.

I forgive you. Become the strength needed for those that follow you. Act like the name you have carved into history.

I too grant forgiveness. Have the name of Cleopatra shine brightly, arrogantly, and proudly!

...Fujimaru.

My name is Cleopatra VII. A former pharaoh.

From this day forward, I will answer the summons as a Heroic Spirit and protect human history.

When that happens, I will use this beautiful face, this voice, this body to be an Assassin class Servant.

In other words... My glory is wasted on you. Give it up and resign yourself to it!

？！

...

Th-That was a good answer, Fujimaru! You've been wonderful this far. Now you just need to rest!

All right. Everything's good now!

Mhh. So is everything done here? (Crunch, crunch)

Ibaraki-Douji... Slow down when you eat. There will be plenty of candy once Halloween begins.

I'm not eating. I'm not eating any candy.

...So what was that selfish wish, anyway?

Th-That...

I've never heard of your wish. Would you tell us, if you don't mind?

Yes, if that's what you want, Your Majesty. My wish... Well, I have several, but...

I'd like to see the man I loved one more time. I don't really want to get back together with him, but...

I still remember...

The day he whispered sweet nothings into my ear while holding me in his slender but strong arms...

His chiseled features, his cheek bones ever so tempting... And he was so sincere...

Yes... I'd like to see my Caesar again...!

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

What happened? Has the last boss made their appearance?

？！

Master...

This is bad. She's talking about THAT Caesar, right?

Yes, Caesar, one of the three least trustworthy Servants in Chaldea, and almost always the mastermind behind everything.

...By the way, this is what Chaldea's Caesar looks like.

...!

Gahgh!?

...They both passed out.

Oh no. It looks like King Ozymandias is holding his stomach and trying to hold back his laughter...

Yeah, it's quite a shock to see Caesar for the first time...

？！

...I don't think we should... We would be destroying her dream...

...But we should tell her someday.

How sad... People change... They say aging isn't ugly, but...

...This goes beyond aging... Please forget this song...

This is definitely a severe case of stress eating... Oh, how sad...

I have only seen this level of stress in Agravain...

Fou...

You look like you're having fun over there! Let me join in too!

And why are the great pharaohs collapsed on the floor like they had a sudden stomachache or something!?

H-Hold on a second!

Huh? What's wrong? Did you call me? Want me to answer?

W-Wait. Hold on! Don't just Rayshift without my permi

Doctor? Doctor...!?

H-He really did Rayshift...!

This is bad! That means...!

VENI!

...! This voice...!

Oh... He really did come...

VIDI!

My Caesar...!? To think I can meet you again at last!

I-I need a mirror. Does anyone have a mirror!?

Is my makeup running? We were just fighting after all! Is it okay? Is it okay!?

Now all I have to do is show myself!

My Cae

IT IS I!

WHAT!?

Hahaha. It's been a while, Cleopatra. Hmm? I guess this is the first time meeting each other as Servants.

...

...

... (THUD)

Yeah, I thought so...

I guess she couldn't accept reality and escaped it by fainting...

Humans are frail beings. They should just be positive as long as they have something to strive for.

Oh, a Holy Grail fragment came out. I'm going to collect it.

...Uuugh... Round... I saw something round... Rolling... Rolling around... Uuuuuugh...

...I can't tell her to leave with the pyramid right now...

Let's have her rest here until her emotional scars heal.

Once Halloween starts, she might calm down a little bit too.

Yes, let's all have a very fun Halloween for her sake too!

Very well! So who should I trickI mean, persuade?

I haven't made much of an appearance lately! My wit is so sharp right now, it's on par with a Lancer!

You should stay away until Cleopatra's emotional scars heal...

Fou...