Section 3: The Ideals and Reality of Being a Role Model (3/3)

Félicitations! We figured out a new story!

I'm gonna be a superhero!

Hehehe. I know I'm still new to acting, but I'm gonna give it everything I've got!

That's why it's going to work!

I mean, I still don't like fighting...but sometimes I daydream about being stronger...and also sketch out signature moves in my notebook...

I do that, too!

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What about you two? What kind of parts are you going to play now?

The, uh, same ones, basically? I'm Paris's argumentative partner, and Hektor's the bad guy who's secretly his older brother.

Man, I've sure got a lot of lines... Could I maybe just be the strong, silent type instead?

Sorry, but no. That's a key part of the story.

I'm sorry, Brother! I...I sold my soul just to make myself look good. I'm the worst brother ever!

(Sigh...) It's all right. I'll do it. Besides, we never got to hang out all that much anyway.

Yaaay!

Man, he can be...incredibly shameless when he needs to be, huh?

Okay then, I'll start putting the series together. Let's have another meeting later to discuss the finer points.

How do you like this as a decoration for the protagonist's secret base?

I'm not sure about that design... Lord Apollo would be way better!

Really? My delightful employés could sure use the extra word of mouth.

Looks like we have more negotiations ahead of us☆

Bahahaha! So THIS is why you've been dragging your feet!

You!?

Damn straight! Mary Anning, Queen of the Jurassic Period, is here to kick some ass and take some names!

Mary Anning, Queen of the Jurassic Period, is here to kick some ass and take some names!

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I told you, I'm Mary $@%^ing Anning!

You really did come back!

Huh?

I always thought I'd see you again, Lancer. Why don't we try this again? You're lonely on your own, right?

WhaWho're you calling lonely? Me? Hah! Don't make me laugh! YOU'RE the lonely one here!

What are you talking about? I have tons of companions and emplo

Then what's with those golden statues?

You're just trying to make yourself seem larger-than-life, right?

...Th-that's not true!

You're worried you don't stand out enough, so you're always buttering people up!

It's all just to get as many simps following you around as you can, isn't it!?

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...I'm glad you asked. I'm not the only one who wanted a reunion.

Skreee!

Woah!

My little boy here said he wants to pay his respects. As his parent, how could I say no?

His magical energy is rising rapidly, Master! He's definitely going to be a powerful opponent!

...I see you've put lots of love into this one, Lancer.

My name's Anning. Mary Anning. And my little boy here is King Plesiosaurus.

Skreee!

But...we're still not ready...

I don't know how much help we can be, but we'll do what we can, too!

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...!

Okay, Lancer. Challenge accepted!

Skrrrrrr...!

You're kidding! We still can't win?

Oh no. You poor thing... Hang in there, baby. Mama's gonna fix you right up.

...

Dammit... And after you've been working so hard...

Why did we still lose...?

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Are you nuts!? This is the only way we can survive. Me and Plesiosaurus here have to win together.

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Sh-shut up! Just shut up!

This isn't over! I'm gonna take the top spot! Just you wait!

Anning just disappeared into the mess of all that electricity. Should we go after her?

No, don't bother. I'm pretty sure the Takarabune isn't around here.

？！

First, I have unfinished business to take care of. Then I'll settle things with Lancer.

But

I'm the leader. I decide what we do. ...I have to.

Feeling better now?

Skreee!

I see. Glad to hear it. (Pet, pet)

Y'know, your name's kinda long, huh? How'd you feel about Plesio? Or just Plessy?

Skreee!

Hehe... Hey. Did you know if things had gone just a little differently, you could've ended up with my name?

Not that it matters now. Besides, you'd still be you, no matter what you're called. You're my...

...You're my trump card. You HAVE to be the strongest one around. Especially if we're gonna make Bunyi cry like a real baby.

I'd expect nothing less from you, Boss Anning! We'll be with you all the way!

Who the hell's that!?

Don't worry, Boss, it's just me. The same me as always.

Get out of here! Now! You're all banned from the Takarabune!

B-b-banned!? B-boss, I implore you...please reconsider! Did we do something wrong?

Don't play dumb. You've been sneaking off to help Bunyi's gang, haven't you?

Gurk!

Traitor! Don't ever let me see your face again!

I-if that's what you want, Boss, then we have no choice but to comply...

Are you...sure about this, though? I think we're the only ones who can steer the Takarabune.

What, because I'm too stupid!?

N-no, I would never even suggest such a thing!

Is that so? All right. I see how it is.

Then I won't depend on this ship anymore. I'll make it on my own.

Skreee!

Right. I've still got you, don't I? And my dog, Tray. And the treasures I dug up with my own hands...

Long as I have those, I don't need anything else.

(Gasp!)

Is everything okay, Daikokuten? You dropped the rice balls.

Oh, excuse me. I'm so sorry about that. I'll bring you a new batch right away.

？！

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I suppose there's no fooling you, Big Boss...

I am not exactly sure what happened, but I can feel that the other mes are upset about something.

I'm wondering if something might have happened to Boss Anning...

Don't you want to go find out?

...I've pledged my service to you now, Big Boss. All I ask is that you allow me to remain by your side.

Though of course, I don't know how useful I can be to you...

？！

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Goodness! You want the Takarabune too, Big Boss!?

W-well, as representatives of Chaldea, we need to retrieve the Holy Grail that composes the Takarabune to accomplish our mission, but...

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You startled me...

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You're talking about helping with Bunyan and Anning's troubles, aren't you, Senpai? I agree.

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... ...

That's a truly difficult question, but I think there's a way to help both bosses.

And by that, I mean a way to both make Boss Bunyan happy...

...and to grant Boss Anning's wish.

？！

I'm afraid I can't say any more than that...

I'm no more than a mouse, so I apologize for speaking out of turn. I hope you can forgive my impertinence.

That said, Big Boss...I'm once again in awe of your kindness and generosity.

Knowing you, I'm sure you'll figure it out...

Well then, I should take my leave. Good night.