Chapter 1055: The Conspiracy in Londinium
"Is this Londinium?"
Southeast of Britain.
The Chaldea team arrived at the city where all prosperity had faded with time.
Fujimaru Ritsuka stood quietly among the ruins, filled with curiosity about this city that had left such a profound mark in history.
"Yes, Senpai."
Mash looked around with complex emotions.
The familiar clock tower was now dilapidated, the gray-white walls had become ivy's playground, and the bustling streets and vendors were all gone forever.
Not just people, even the city had changed beyond recognition.
"Traces from 2400 years ago can be seen everywhere here. I never imagined this city would end up like this... It's truly thought-provoking."
Mash's expression grew somber.
Not long ago, she had been happily shopping in Londinium.
Just a few days later, she witnessed the weathered, broken state of this city.
For the first time, Mash felt the terror of time.
"Nothing in this world can remain unchanged after 2400 years. The fact that this city hasn't completely vanished from history is already remarkable."
"...You're right, Senpai. Your perspective is always so positive."
Mash paused for a moment, then slowly smiled.
While the two were lost in their reflections,
The group had made contact with the Round Table Army hiding in Londinium.
"Welcome to Londinium!"
Percival greeted everyone with his usual friendly smile.
"Though it's a bit worn down, the warmth here surpasses that of any other city by far!"
He introduced the place with great pride.
Human craftsmen were helping fairies mend torn clothes, while fairy guards used mystery to help humans light fires and create water.
Visibly, humans and fairies here were helping each other. Though conditions were poor, the residents wore smiles on their faces, their spirit completely different from other cities - just as Percival said, filled with warmth.
"As promised, I've brought the Child of Prophecy, Percival!"
Oberon stepped forward from the crowd, smiling proudly at Percival.
"Oberon knows Percival too?"
Da Vinci-chan looked at Oberon with surprise.
"To be honest, it was Oberon who originally persuaded me to form the Round Table Army."
Percival smiled as he answered her question.
"Not only that, he also borrowed money everywhere to fund us. I heard he's been banned from entering many places because of too much debt. And we haven't even achieved decent results yet - it's truly shameful!"
"Don't say that, you'll give people the false impression that I'm poor!"
Oberon laughed and waved his hand, wearing an "are you kidding me" expression.
"Hmph."
Artoria sneered coldly.
"Oberon, be more confident - remove the 'false' part!"
That's clearly the truth!
"Haven't you liberated the human farms recently? That's a great achievement too!"
Muramasa praised approvingly.
Although he was from the Alien God's side and had several gods stitched inside him, he still essentially considered himself human and greatly approved of the Round Table Army's accomplishments.
"That was only possible with Mr. Cú Chulainn's help, and we only managed to rescue a portion of humanity—it can hardly be called liberation!"
Parsifal, however, remained unsatisfied with this outcome, his expression filled with frustration.
"Whose help?"
Habetrot was taken aback.
"Mr. Grimm, have you been here before?"
Gareth looked curiously at Grimm, who seemed utterly bewildered.
"Not at all!"
Grimm scratched his head in confusion.
"Besides, using that name makes me feel completely drained. Even if I were to use a pseudonym, I wouldn't choose that one!"
"Sir, may I ask what kind of person this Mr. Cú Chulainn is?"
Tristan cautiously posed the question, gauging whether caution was necessary based on the answer.
"I'm not sure either. He often wears a cloak and has strange disguises over his eyes and mouth..."
"Ah, no need to say more. I know who it is."
"Yes, this old man knows as well."
Grimm and Muramasa nodded in succession.
Upon hearing this, the others also came to a sudden realization.
"So that's how Eiji came here."
Mash found the situation both amusing and exasperating.
She knew Eiji had visited Londinium 2400 years ago, but she hadn't realized he had done so under an alias.
"In that case, Parsifal, can you contact Eiji?"
Da Vinci, however, brightened up and quickly turned to Parsifal to inquire.
"Well... actually, he's the one who shows up on his own accord."
Parsifal offered an apologetic smile, indicating there was nothing he could do.
"Then there's no other way."
Da Vinci sighed with regret.
"Anyway, let's settle in first and discuss our next steps later."
...
Night.
A few campfires flickered in Londinium, casting a faint glow on the dilapidated bell tower.
"Mash, what's on your mind?"
Fujimaru Ritsuka approached Mash and handed her some rather hard bread and water.
It was already dinnertime, but the people here had limited food supplies and couldn't offer them anything better.
"Thank you, Senpai. I was thinking about Eiji."
"...Am I being NTR'd?"
"N-No! There's nothing between Eiji and me. That person is completely devoted to Miss Tonelico. I was just thinking about the future!"
Mash's face flushed bright red as she hurriedly refuted.
"It's fine, I believe you!"
"Senpai..."
Mash looked deeply moved.
The two girls gazed at each other for a moment, and the atmosphere suddenly took on a yuri-like quality.
"Ahem, let's get back to the main topic!"
Ritsuka sat down beside Mash.
"You're wondering whether Eiji will help us in the future, right?"
"Yes."
Mash lifted her head, her eyes filled with longing as she gazed at the bright moon in the sky.
"We're bound to end up opposing Miss Tonelico in the future. I've prepared myself to face her in battle, but that's because my relationship with her isn't particularly close. However, Eiji... he's Miss Tonelico's lover. I don't know what choice he'll make."
"To be honest, I even thought it might be for the best if Eiji chose to help Miss Tonelico. After all, she truly needs someone to stand by her side. That way, at least things wouldn't turn out like they did 2400 years ago... Am I being too naive?"
Mash lowered her head dejectedly.
Eiji was Tonelico's salvation.
"That's exactly how she had answered Eiji before, and she truly meant it.
But even though their side desperately needed Eiji's help too, she selfishly wanted Eiji to assist their enemies.
It was almost like she was standing on the enemy's side.
'Though it is indeed naive, that's precisely what makes you endearing.'
Fujimaru Ritsuka suddenly froze.
Because she had just been about to say that.
"Who stole my line!"
She angrily glared toward the direction the voice came from.
"It was me."
A cloaked figure had appeared behind them at some point.
He lifted his hood, revealing the face of a blue-haired young man.
"Grimm? Why are you wearing different clothes?"
"Oh, sorry, forgot to switch accounts."
The man slapped his forehead.
Then his entire body writhed like a phantom, immediately afterward revealing a face that made Gudako instantly breathless.