This was bad. Like, really bad!
Was the whole "Father-Son Bonding" about to play out again—right in front of him?
Gawain felt his brain tremble in panic and instinctively reached for his Excalibur Galatine, ready to protect his life before anything else.
Originally, it was Mordred's suggestion: a political marriage to the Imperial Teacher, thereby helping Britain weather the massive crisis they now faced.
A historic wedding between two Heroic Spirits could also counteract the horrible PR disaster caused by the recent video released by Alaya.
Plus, she could finally get the man she'd been pining for—Nameless—and keep him at her side forever, declaring ownership publicly.
But most importantly—
Mordred wanted to snatch Nameless away from her father, dealing a vicious blow to Artoria!
Four birds, one glorious stone....
In short, Mordred had wrapped her own personal goal in a noble-sounding cause, using "serving Britain" as an excuse to fight her father for a man!
But reality had now proven—your father is still your father!
As worried as he was, Gawain couldn't help but give a mental thumbs-up to his King.
This move was brilliant.
Mordred had always craved her father's recognition and longed for formal acknowledgment as the rightful heir to the throne.
And now—forget just acknowledging her—Artoria outright passed the entire throne to her!
Artoria's abdication was the perfect move to pacify the world's rage.
And if she went on to marry the world-saving Nameless? The public would go wild with celebration.
The mess got dumped on Mordred's lap, and Artoria finally cast off the burden she had carried since she was fifteen.
It was genius.
Gawain's breathing grew rapid.
He loved watching women fight—no, no! He was a just and righteous Knight of the Sun! What evil thoughts were these!?
The room fell into a deathly silence.
The tension was unbearable.
Like a volcano ready to erupt.
Mordred stared in disbelief for a moment, then pointed a trembling finger at her father and roared in fury:
"This is all your fault! And now you want to dump this disaster on me?!"
I may not be human, but Father—you're the real monster!
The golden crown on her head suddenly felt like it had turned green.
Even though she had received her father's recognition and been crowned as the rightful ruler of Britain… how did it all turn into this!?
Mordred looked into Artoria's calm, emotionless eyes and saw through the concealed smugness behind them.
Just like the laughing faces of those smug people earlier!
Bzzzt—
A familiar Noble Phantasm suddenly appeared in her hands, radiating a blood-red glow.
Her most iconic weapon—
[Clarent Blood Arthur]
The internet had its own name for it:
The "Dad-Stabbing Sword!"
Gawain immediately intervened: "Please don't fight—this is another monarch's territory! Let's wait until we get back home to settle this calmly!"
If they really started fighting here, no matter who won or lost, it would only negatively affect all of Britain.
Artoria let out a soft sigh.
"Mordred. The reason I never passed the throne to you was because I believed you lacked the qualities of a true king. But now—I've committed an unforgivable mistake. I no longer deserve to be king."
Despite facing Mordred's "Dad-Stabbing Sword," she didn't even summon her own Lance.
She simply stood there, quiet and unmoving, like she was ready to take the hit.
"You—you… I never cared about the throne! I just wanted to be acknowledged by you!" Mordred shouted.
She yanked off the crown she had long dreamed of and threw it at her.
"A crown given like this—I don't want it!"
But Artoria didn't even try to catch it.
It bounced off her chest—right where her large, kingly heart should be—and flew aside.
Just as the crown was about to hit the floor—
Gawain dove forward and caught the crown with his body to cushion its fall, not daring to let it hit the floor.
This was the symbol of Britain's supreme authority—how could it just be tossed away!?
But even if you gave him ten times the courage, he still wouldn't dare reprimand the two facing off.
If he did try to forcibly stop them, he'd end up like back on the Hill—sandwiched between two Noble Phantasms, grilled like a cheesy Gawain panini.
Artoria let out a heavy sigh.
"I was corrupted by the Holy Lance and turned into a god. If Nameless hadn't intervened, I would've perished alongside the Demon King and doomed human history."
Her always resolute, commanding expression was now filled with deep regret.
She gazed out the window, her tone distant.
"Mordred… I no longer have the right to be king. Only you can succeed me now."
Watching latest video had awakened her 1,500 years of lost memories—and left her utterly exhausted.
Her godhood-era memories were so lofty and alien that even she could hardly believe they were hers.
She was tired.
Drained.
The so-called throne, the responsibility to protect Britain… let whoever wants it take it.
What Artoria wanted now—was to just be an ordinary girl, living an ordinary life.
And what could be better than leaving this mess to Mordred and going off to enjoy a happy life with Nameless?
Earlier, staring out the window…
She had remembered the peaceful days spent together with him. Sitting around the kotatsu, waiting comfortably while he made a delicious dinner.
But now… she didn't even know where he was, or who he might be with…
"Well, I refuse! I don't give a damn about the so-called throne of Britain!" Mordred snapped, bluntly.
Trying to dump this mess on her, just so you can go enjoy a comfy domestic life?
Not happening!
Ding-ling-ling~
A knock came at the door. A royal guard reported quietly,
"My King, the King of Heroes has arrived."
"Let him in," said Artoria.
Click—
The door opened.
And in walked that familiar, radiantly golden figure, striding in with casual swagger and a look of mild curiosity.
"What are you all doing?" he asked.
Naturally, it was the Oldest Hero King himself.
He had already bought out this entire luxury hotel ahead of time(dude's batman). When he sensed the intense Noble Phantasm energy earlier, he came right away—
to watch the drama—
No no, to break up the fight, of course!
Mordred scowled at him.
"This has nothing to do with you."
"Of course it does!" Gilgamesh grinned. "This hotel cost over ten billion yen. If you want to wreck it, go ahead—just pay me first."
"Ten… billion…"
Mordred reflexively put her Noble Phantasm away.
Only when you're in charge do you realize how expensive life is.
Now that she was prime minister, all aspects—civil, military, political—were desperately bleeding money.
Britain was nothing but a hollow block of gold now, barely keeping up its appearance.
That's why they shamelessly came begging to another country.
Mordred gritted her teeth.
"Damn it… So what? Having money makes you that great?"
"Sorry, but yes—it does make me great." Gilgamesh's grin widened.
He'd seen enough drama and was ready to leave.
As one of the richest Heroic Spirits in the world, he'd really started enjoying solving things with money.
Watching people get all flustered with jealousy and inferiority—delicious~
=====================
Tick… tick…
The soft ticking of the clock echoed.
In the living room, four people sat drowsily watching TV, calmly waiting.
Beep—
The second hand finally struck midnight.
Sanjiro and the three little girls all smiled and said in unison:
"Happy New Year!"
New Year's Eve vigil—welcoming the new year.
It had finally arrived.
"Finally, now I can sleep," said both Kirina and Illya with yawns as they headed to bed.
In an instant, only two people remained in the living room.
Miyu quietly spoke,
"Happy New Year, Onii-chan."
"Happy New Year."
Sanjiro got up from the kotatsu and walked to the balcony, gazing at the fireworks blooming outside.
Even at midnight, crowds outside were still cheering and playing.
A life without battles… really is the best.
BOOM—
A firework exploded brightly.
The little girl beside him spoke softly,
"Onii-chan… the night sky is really beautiful tonight~"
"Yeah… the fireworks are pretty."
Sanjiro looked up at the vast, starry sky.
He wasn't one of those deaf anime protagonists—he heard her perfectly clearly.
Maybe it was the Holy Grail's bond from before, but Miyu had developed a strong natural affection for him.
Having a little sister… wasn't so bad after all.
He gently patted her head, "You should get some sleep too. Tomorrow you're all going to the shrine."
"Mhm. You should rest soon too, Onii-chan."
Miyu nodded and returned to her room.
In the freezing weather, the three little girls naturally all slept together at night.
Sanjiro honestly wanted to go over and warm up too…
Ahem! Officer, it's not what it sounds like! He really just wanted to warm up his cold body—don't get the wrong idea!
===
The next morning.
Sanjiro had breakfast ready early and woke up the still-drowsy trio. If they wanted to visit the shrine and pray, they had to get going early.
After breakfast—
Kirina blinked her big eyes at him.
"Sanjiro… are you confident you can dress me in a kimono properly?"
This was a classic, veiled confession line from local girls in Japan.
As soon as the words left her lips—
Her two girl friends instantly shot sharp glances at her.
Sanjiro replied with a face full of disdain,
"Dress yourself. Don't be lazy like a pig."
"Tch! No wonder you have no luck with girls!" Kirina pouted.
Looks like she really had to grow up a bit more—she needed more heart to win him over.
"Let's go! Time to pray to Amaterasu…" Kirina led the way, with the other two following.
Amaterasu—the supreme deity of Japan.
This was the perfect chance during the New Year to pray for romantic blessings.
If she could get the goddess's help, that shut-in would be head over heels for her and never leave!
"But first—I'll wish to grow up and gain a giant heart!"
Kirina tossed in her coin, shook the sacred rope, and pressed her hands together to pray earnestly.
CRACK—
Something suddenly cracked.
Like the sound of stone splitting apart.
"Huh? Did I imagine that?"
Kirina looked around in confusion.
Everything was peaceful. Her two friends were praying seriously too.
Probably just her imagination.
This was the sacred shrine of Amaterasu—even the Beasts of Calamity wouldn't dare act up here… right?
Kirina resumed praying:
"Please, Amaterasu-sama, make Sanjiro fall madly in love with me!"
CRACK—
This time, the sound of breaking was loud and clear.
And then—
Kirina stared in shock.
The statue of Amaterasu in the main shrine—
was cracking.
No one could believe their eyes.
On New Year's Day, during the most important prayer ceremony, Amaterasu's statue had cracked! An omen of disaster—possibly the worst in history!
RUMBLE—
Before anyone could react, the entire massive statue collapsed.
Illya stared in disbelief.
"Could it be… the Demon King Goetia is descending to destroy humanity!?"
If even Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, couldn't withstand the collapse… only someone like that terrifying Demon King could be responsible!
"No clue…" muttered Kirina, equally stunned.
She was just an ordinary little girl—how the heck did her prayer cause the statue to collapse!?
Damn it! Did even Amaterasu refuse to grant her wish!?
She was furious.
After finishing their New Year shrine visit, the three girls parted ways.
Each went home, to their own families.
Back home, Kirina was still fuming.
"When I was praying to Amaterasu just now, the statue suddenly collapsed!"
"…Uh…"
Sanjiro gave her a strange look.
Then he glanced over at the fox scarf resting inside its gift box…
That scarf—was a gift personally made by Shikotei, using the tails of Tamamo-no-Mae, the Nine-Tailed Fox.
A fox spirit whose nine tails had fully gathered—her true identity was none other than the Divine Spirit of Amaterasu.
She could effectively be considered Amaterasu herself.
Kirina pouted, clearly sulking.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that? I'm not some kind of villain! Why am I not allowed to pray to the gods?"
"Probably because… you're just too powerful," Sanjiro replied, twitching at the corners of his mouth.
Even the fully awakened Nine-Tailed Tamamo couldn't compare to her!
This little gremlin could probably solo all six other Evils of Humanity on her own!
(This really gives enough clues now as it narrows down who Kirina is, can you guess who it is?)
He turned his head away and said,
"So, dear Mr. Gold, what brings you here again?"
Yes—standing right nearby in a smart suit, impeccably styled and exuding charm, was none other than the King of Heroes.
He had tagged along when Kirina returned home.
"My dear friend," Gilgamesh smiled, "this is the Spring Festival. Naturally, I had to come visit."
Sanjiro looked even more annoyed.
"Since you're here… why didn't you bring a gift?"
This guy, who claimed to be the richest Heroic Spirit, never brought anything when he visited.
Even Cu Chulainn, the big mutt, brought fish or shrimp when he came over.
"You always scold me about manners," Kirina said curiously, "So why are you acting like this?"
Mr. Gold always came over warmly and enthusiastically, only to be met with Sanjiro's "get lost" expression.
Their relationship was so weird, if Gold wasn't a guy, she'd seriously think something was going on between them.
Maybe this was what they called a "frenemy."
"It's fine. I don't mind," Gilgamesh waved it off.
The more this damn best friend didn't want to see him, the more he wanted to show up.
Just to spite him!
"…"
Sanjiro looked helpless.
Against this bastard's money-fueled power, even the brattiest kids had no defense!
Damn you, Goldie!
Once my powers are fully restored, I swear, I'll bench press you in the Spring of Drowned Girl and see if you still feel like waltzing in here every day—Subaru Style!
It was the New Year, after all. Since he was already here, they might as well serve lunch.
During the meal—
Kirina suddenly struck a weird pose and grinned:
"Unlimited Meal Works!"
"Uh…"
Sanjiro wanted to stop her, but Gilgamesh was sitting beside them, watching with an amused expression.
The little gremlin earnestly raised her chopsticks and began reciting a parody chant:
"I am the stomach of my hunger.
Rice is my body, and miso is my blood.
I have devoured over a thousand dishes,
Unknown to portion control,
Nor known to dietary shame.
Have withstood indigestion to consume many snacks—
Yet, these hands will never wash a plate.
So as I pray,
Unlimited Meal Works!"
She pointed her chopsticks like a sword:
"Mr. Gold, is your stomach ready?"
Clearly, it was a gag—a parody of the famous chant of UBW.
But to her confusion… neither of them laughed.
Whack!
Sanjiro smacked her lightly with his chopsticks.
"Eat properly! No wonder you're not growing!"
Was this brat secretly unlocking clairvoyance or something!?
Otherwise, why on earth would she reenact the most humiliating moment of Gilgamesh's life—in front of him!?
Sanjiro was feeling seriously anxious now.
He definitely needed to add a few more bindings on this gremlin soon.
Oh right, can't forget to curse Alaya....
Damn you, Alaya!
If you hadn't kept posting those exposure videos, none of this would be happening!
"That was pretty funny. Truly, a Noble Phantasm forged in the fires of gluttony, Sanjiro, why aren't you laughing?" Gilgamesh smiled, clearly enjoying the awkwardness.
"Ahem… yeah, I guess it was kind of funny…" Sanjiro coughed and tried to play along.
This wasn't just rubbing salt in the wound—it was full-on stabbing the wound and asking if it hurt!
"Oh? You think it's funny?" Gilgamesh smiled at him.
"...Let's eat!"
Sanjiro felt like he could already see the crimson glow of Ea charging up and quickly changed the topic.
That infamous elbow-chopping moment when he was publicly defeated by him was Gilgamesh's forever stain in his record.
Too risky.
No further discussion.
"Mr. Gold," Kirina asked curiously, "after the latest video was released, did Artoria say anything?"
She had tried to ask Mordred earlier, but Mordred clearly didn't want to talk about it.
"No idea," Gilgamesh shrugged, "I'm just an ordinary rich guy."
Ordinary…
Sanjiro stared at him, really wanting to retort.
If he had even one-tenth of Gil's "ordinary" wealth, he could buy all of Fuyuki City!
After dinner—
Kirina pulled out the fox scarf that had been gifted earlier and asked curiously: "Mr. Gold, how much do you think this fox scarf is worth?"
It was easily the most beautiful and softest scarf she had ever seen.
Unfortunately, Sanjiro had claimed it for himself and wouldn't let her wear it.
"Oh, this is quite a nice item," Gilgamesh said with mild surprise.
He activated his one of his skill, and with it, he clearly saw—this scarf originated from Tamamo-no-Mae.
Interesting.
Back when the battle broke out in Fuyuki City, he had considered stepping in to help.
But he noticed Sanjiro still had strong residual power and easily defeated both Hassan of the Hundred Faces and Tamamo-no-Mae.
And yet, Tamamo left the battle completely unharmed.
So… who exactly had gifted this fox scarf?
Ding-dong~
At that moment, the doorbell rang.
Kirina ran over to answer it, and her eyes lit up in surprise:
"Mr. Tei, Happy New Year~"
The visitor was the very person who had delivered the fox scarf earlier.
A figure so stunning and charismatic that they could become a superstar effortlessly—regardless of gender or reason.
"Happy New Year, Kirina," Shikotei greeted with a smile, handing over a small New Year's gift.
Then—
Shikotei noticed a familiar yet unfamiliar face sitting in the living room beside his Teacher, carefully examining the fox scarf.