Chapter 940: The Loveless Bogart
Eiji didn't know anyone from Chaldea.
Although he was born and raised in a Singularity, this particular Singularity was recognized and protected by the Counter Force. Chaldea hadn't even discovered its existence yet and had never visited.
Whether it was Fujimaru Ritsuka, the last Master of Humanity, or the Demi-Servant Mash Kyrielight—affectionately nicknamed "Purple Eggplant" and known as his kouhai—they only existed at the level where Eiji knew of them, but they didn't know him.
Since arriving in this British Lostbelt, Eiji knew he would eventually encounter Chaldea, but he didn't expect it to happen so soon, right here in Sheffield, where he randomly came across Purple Eggplant!
But where's your Gudako?
Why isn't Gudako with you, but instead three goblins?
For a moment, Eiji even imagined Mash and the goblins in a doujinshi scenario, quickly shaking the indecent images from his mind.
And why were those goblins calling her "Anith" instead of Mash?
Could it not be Mash herself?
No, no, that couldn't be. After all, she's the original story's heroine, and her characteristics are so distinctive—there's no way he could mistake her!
Eiji felt he might have stumbled into the main storyline.
He decided he couldn't just stand by and ignore Purple Eggplant's situation, so he quietly followed them.
The three goblins led Mash toward the castle at the very center of Sheffield.
The castle was built on a raised hill, connected only by a few winding mountain paths. The highest point was at least 50 meters above ground level—ordinary people would need to take several breaks just to make a round trip.
"This is the castle where Sheffield's lord lives—Braggart Bogart, the Loveless Bogart!"
"Why do they call Lord Bogart a braggart who has no love?"
"That Bogart is actually one of the most prominent figures in the Fang Clan! He once competed with Woodwose, the clan leader of the Fang Clan, for the position of chieftain but suffered a crushing defeat and was driven out of Oxford. Then, when competing for the lordship of Norwich, he was defeated by Spriggan, the clan leader of the Earth Clan, and expelled from Norwich. Every time he boasted arrogantly, only to be shamefully driven away afterward. Over time, everyone started calling him a braggart!"
The more talkative second brother of the goblin trio looked around and quietly laughed about the lord's past humiliations.
"They say he has no love because every fairy who became his wife ended up despising him. Each time, they betrayed him at the critical moment when he was about to achieve victory. Because of this, Bogart lost trust in female fairies and now only takes human women as wives."
The somewhat taciturn third brother added.
"That sounds rather pitiful."
Mash, now going by the name Anith, never expected such an absurd story.
She had thought Bogart was inherently mean-spirited and petty, but wasn't he completely a victim?
Competing with Woodwose for the Fang Clan leadership, competing with Spriggan for the lordship of Norwich... and failing both times due to his wives' betrayals—this Bogart must have terrible taste in choosing wives!
Eiji inwardly scoffed.
Using his Chōsoku footwork, he followed the four from behind. No one around noticed his presence, as if they subconsciously overlooked him.
"Next, we have to offer Anis to Bogart, and I'm a bit reluctant!"
The eldest of the three brothers, who appeared rather burly, unexpectedly wore a somber expression.
"Rob, don't go soft just because Anis saved us! If we can't get more treasure, we'll be drained of our life force and die next year!"
Seizing the moment when Mash wasn't paying attention, the third brother, Winky, coldly warned the eldest, Rob.
"I-I know!"
Rob stammered, gritted his teeth, and hardened his resolve.
"Let's go pay our respects to Bogart!"
...
In the massive castle, led by human soldiers, the three goblin brothers and Mash entered the great hall and met Bogart, the lord of Sheffield.
Bogart was a tall and powerfully built lion-man, his body covered in white fur, with a head full of fangs that exuded intimidation.
Yet, in stark contrast to his rugged and fearsome appearance, he wore an extravagantly luxurious noble suit, and his every movement radiated elegance.
The dissonance was startling, but there was no sense of affectation from Bogart—it seemed as though etiquette was truly ingrained in his bones.
"Lord Bogart, Anis is the Child of Prophecy we wish to offer!"
Facing the lion-man seated on the throne, who naturally exuded the authority of a high-ranking fairy, Rob wore an ingratiating smile.
"On our way to Sheffield, we encountered a horde of Mors and were nearly done for. But Anis defeated the Mors effortlessly with iron weapons. She's a fairy unafraid of the Mors' poison—who else could do such a thing? And she's still very young. If she isn't the Child of Prophecy, then who is?"
Rob spoke like a shrewd merchant, eagerly extolling the value of his goods.
Mash stood quietly, her thoughts unclear. Even under such treatment, she showed no anger or intention to act.
"You say she's a fairy?"
The lion-man rose to his feet, placing his hands behind his back like a gentleman, though a cruel crimson gleam seeped into his eyes.
"Fools, use your noses and take a good whiff! She smells entirely human, not a fairy at all! And you ignorant lot don't even know that immunity to the Mors' poison isn't exclusive to the Child of Prophecy—even a Fairy Knight can manage such a trivial feat!"
Rob was startled by the roar and immediately fell silent.
The three brothers exchanged glances, sensing that the situation had taken a turn for the worse.
"In my domain of Sheffield, lies and deceit are capital offenses! Guards, chop them down!"
The lion-man's face was twisted with ferocious malice, his teeth grinding audibly.
"W-wait, we won't sell her! We'll just call it off!"
"Do you take me for a fool? That makes your crime even worse!"
Bogart erupted in fury.
The three brothers were on the verge of tears, their faces etched with regret and fear.
Human soldiers swarmed in from outside, leveling their spears and thrusting toward the three goblin fairies.
"Please wait!"
Just as the trio turned pale with terror, a clear, sharp cry suddenly rang out.
A massive cross-shaped shield spun with practiced ease, knocking the soldiers back one by one.
"They weren't lying—the issue lies with me. So, please don't take it out on them!"
Mathilde shielded the three goblins behind her, her expression tense as she stared at Bogart.
"D-daring to fight back—someone, quick—"
Seeing Mathilde's fierce display, the guards panicked and called for reinforcements.
"Fools! She means no harm—if she did, you'd all be dead by now. Stand down at once!"
"Yes, Lord Bogart!"
Bogart coldly dismissed the flustered soldiers, his expression softening slightly.